The squirrely way oak ecosystems are shaped | Wild Turkey Science #625

Dr. Alex Potash joins us to explore the ecological role of squirrels, focusing on their impact on oak regeneration and how animal behavior influences forest management strategies.

Resources:

• Chester, M., Beck, J., & Potash, A. D. (2025). Observation of a grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) suggests that some rodents can vomit. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 103, 1-4.

• Horn, C. C., et al. (2013). Why can't rodents vomit? A comparative behavioral, anatomical, and physiological study. PloS one, 8(4), e60537.

• Potash, A. D., et al. (2020). Ecological drivers of eastern fox squirrel pelage polymorphism. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 8, 119.

• Potash, A. D. (2023). Predators, Prey, and Acorns: An Exploration of Predator Distributions, Prey Behavior, and Ecosystem Process in the Southeastern US. University of Florida.

• Prince, A., et al. (2016). Resource selection by southeastern fox squirrels in a fire-maintained forest system. Journal of Mammalogy, 97(2), 631-638.

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