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Which squirrel species hunt small animals?

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Do squirrels forget where they hide their food? — squirrel Overview of food-burying behaviour in squirrels.

While many squirrels are primarily herbivorous, several species are omnivorous and will hunt or scavenge small animals as part of their diet.12

Tree Squirrels

Certain tree squirrels, particularly some red squirrels (genus Tamiasciurus) and various Sciurus species in temperate climates, are known to stalk, kill, and consume other small animals. Their prey can include:
* Other squirrels13
* Mice3
* Adult birds3
* Rabbits3
* Bird eggs and nestlings13

This predatory behavior is considered rare among tropical tree squirrels.13

Ground Squirrels

Many nontropical ground squirrels are opportunistic omnivores that consume a wide range of animal matter. For example, Franklin’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus franklinii) is known to hunt:12
* Small vertebrates, including toads and frogs12
* The eggs and chicks of songbirds and ducks12
* Mice and smaller ground squirrels2
* Small rabbits2

While some ground squirrels, such as the Uinta ground squirrel, are primarily vegetarian, others incorporate these small animals and carrion into their diets to supplement plant matter.12