In the U.S., killer squirrels have started preying on mice in parks. Scientists are investigating the reasons behind this unusual behavior.

In the USA, squirrels have begun hunting field mice and consuming their remains. Scientists find it challenging to explain why these adorable rodents have turned into ruthless predators.

This is reported by Live Science. It is noted that the change in squirrel behavior was recorded in Briones Park in Contra Costa County using surveillance cameras.

Researchers believe that the increase in the population of voles is the reason behind the squirrels' predation. In Briones Regional Park, as part of a long-term research project at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of California, Davis, students have been observing squirrels for 12 years.

During this time, until the summer of 2024, they had not seen squirrels hunting mice. Most scientists were shocked to witness this hunting behavior, as it is highly atypical. Now, students and faculty at the university are trying to document the entire process of squirrel hunting—from the chase to the consumption.

It is noted that the squirrel family is quite flexible when it comes to their meals. According to scientists, squirrels are primarily vegetarians, occasionally consuming insects, eggs, fledgling birds, and even each other's young. However, actively hunting adult mammals marks a significant shift in squirrel behavior.

At the same time, while observing the animals, scientists noticed that not all hunting attempts were successful. For instance, one squirrel may attack a mouse for an extended period, inflicting injuries, while another may finish off the small rodent without always consuming it. This indicates that squirrels have not yet perfected this predatory process.

This year, scientists link the change in squirrel behavior to the large number of voles; however, it is unlikely that this population will be as abundant next year. Thus, researchers believe that by the next season, the rodents will return to eating nuts as usual, rather than mice.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported that in Peru, dozens of new species were discovered.