Giving-up densities of gray squirrels in a forest and suburban environment and the effect of substrate depth

An efficient foraging strategy is necessary for the survival of all consumers. Studying organisms’ foraging behavior can further our understanding of optimal feeding conditions for various species. In this study, we were interested in observing the differences in giving-up density (GUD) of gray squirrels between a forest and suburban habitat and also with increased substrate depth. We predicted that GUD of gray squirrels would be greater in the suburban habitat than in the forest habitat because in the suburban environment, squirrels do not have to invest as much energy to foraging due to the availability of birdseed from feeders and other food items left on the ground. In addition, we predicted that when the substrate depth is increased in both habitats, GUD would increase because of the increased foraging cost. Our results suggest that foraging organisms in a forest will have lower GUD than organisms in a suburban environment; however, the increasing marginal cost of a food source does not seem to affect foraging.