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Yes. Researchers documented California ground squirrels hunting, killing, and eating adult California voles at Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County in 2024. The observations coincided with increased vole availability, but they do not show how common the behavior is elsewhere or prove what caused it.
What researchers observed
During the twelfth year of a long-term study, researchers recorded 74 events involving California ground squirrels depredating, consuming, or competing over California voles. The observations took place from June 10 to July 30, 2024, and included juvenile and adult squirrels of both sexes. Researchers used direct observations, photographs, video, and observations of marked squirrels.
According to the University of California report, 42 percent of the 74 vole interactions involved active hunting. The study describes repeated vole hunting in this population; it should not be read as evidence that no squirrel has ever eaten an animal before.
Why the finding drew attention
California ground squirrels are commonly associated with seeds and vegetation, so observed pursuit and consumption of voles demonstrates dietary flexibility and opportunistic predation. The researchers did not observe squirrels hunting other mammals.
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Hunting peaked during the first two weeks of July, alongside a reported increase in vole numbers. The researchers associated the behavior with a decadal peak in vole abundance, but this association does not establish that vole numbers alone caused the hunting.
What the evidence does—and does not—show
The observations establish that California ground squirrels hunted and ate voles at this park during the 2024 observation period. They do not measure how prevalent the behavior is across California ground-squirrel populations, establish that the behavior is widespread, or show whether it is passed between generations.
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Questions remain about whether the behavior occurs at other locations, whether squirrels learn it socially, and whether it affects squirrel reproduction or local ecosystems. These are open questions, not established effects of the observed hunting.
Research sources
The peer-reviewed study, “Vole hunting: novel predatory and carnivorous behavior by California ground squirrels,” by Jennifer E. Smith and colleagues, appeared in the Journal of Ethology 43(1):3–12 (2025), after online publication on December 18, 2024. View the journal publication record or its PubMed record and abstract.
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The University of California report, published December 19, 2024, gives the observation dates and the 42 percent figure. Read the university report.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Do California ground squirrels hunt and eat voles?
Yes. Researchers documented California ground squirrels hunting and eating California voles, including adults, at Briones Regional Park in 2024.
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Where and when were the squirrels observed hunting?
The observations were made at Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County, California, from June 10 to July 30, 2024.
How many vole-related events did researchers record?
The study reported 74 events involving squirrels depredating, consuming, or competing over voles. The University of California report says 42 percent involved active hunting.
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Does this mean California ground squirrels commonly hunt mammals?
The study documents the behavior at one park during a specific summer observation period. It does not establish how prevalent it is across California or other populations.
Did the vole increase cause the hunting?
The observations coincided with increased vole availability, and researchers associated the behavior with a decadal peak in vole abundance. The evidence does not prove that vole abundance alone caused the behavior.
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