Ground squirrels are found in many areas of the United States. They live in underground burrows and are often attacked by birds of prey, coyotes, and bobcats. Which of the following is a limiting factor for a ground squirrel population?

Predators can reduce the number of ground squirrels by eating them, so they limit the population. Hawks are birds of prey, making a population of hawks the correct choice. Tree squirrels, genetic variability, and breeding season are not the direct limiting factor described here.

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