Behavioral components of shock-induced aggression in ground squirrels (Citellus tridecemlineatus)

Abstract

The fighting behavior of paired ground squirrels was observed in a footshock chamber. with shock offset contingent on pair members displaying an unambiguous dominant-subordinate relationship. Status relations stabilized over days, resulting in a decrease in the intensity and duration of encounters and an increase in the frequency of threat displays. Various agonistic components are described and their functions and effects discussed in terms of naturally occurring aggressionin this species.

The Organization of Aggression and Fear In Vertebrates

“…Pain-elicited fighting has been reported in a number of species, such as ground squirrels (Turner et al, 1973), gerbils (Boice and Pickering, 1973), hamsters, cats, monkeys, snakes, turtles, and chickens (reviewed by Ulrich et al, 1965).…”