Salt Preferences and Sodium Drive Phenology in Fox Squirrels and Woodchucks

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Abstract
Salt preferences and sodium (Na) drive were examined in southern Indiana populations of fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) and woodchucks (Marmota monax). Animal use of salt-impregnated wooden pegs demonstrated that Na compounds were highly preferred. Both seasonal variation in peg use and the phenology of animals licking the road surface for residues of winter-applied sodium chloride demonstrated definite seasonal variation in Na drive. Spring peaks for both species and an additional autumn peak in squirrels were clearly associated with sudden increases in dietary intake of potassium (K) in spring and decreases in Na intake in squirrels in autumn. The high K intake is postulated to interfere with otherwise efficient Na-conserving mechanisms.

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