Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Nature generally doesn’t reward a picky eater. Every animal aside from humans will usually opt for a nearby, easier meal instead of a tastier snack that requires additional effort to reach. It’s understandable—when survival is at stake, favorite foods take a backseat to closer (even if less desirable) calories. That said, new research indicates at least one species is willing to put in the extra work if it means a chance to chow down on their preferred dish. In a study published today in the journal Animal Behaviour, researchers at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom explain that wild gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) will often ignore the food in front of them and climb higher to reach a favorite alternative. “This suggests that–in natural decision-making scenarios–it may sometimes be beneficial for animals to wait or work harder for a better outcome,” explained study co-author and behavioralist Yavanna Burnham. Along with her colleagues, Burnham offered 11 gray squirrels …