19^ 



MAMMALS OF AMERICA 



them in underground granaries connected with 

 their burrows. Over half a bushel of such food 

 has been taken from a single chamber, and it 

 is a common thing to find several quarts in one 

 place. Sometimes a few nuts are deposited by 

 digging a slight distance below the ground sur- 

 face in the same way that Gray Squirrels store 



Photograph by J. M. Juliubun 



EASTERN CHIPMUNK 

 Caught sunning himself on a stone wall 



food. These, however, seem to be only tempor- 

 ary deposits which are soon eaten or taken to 

 the main granary. No food of an easily perish- 

 able character, like grasshoppers, is stored. 



There is considerable difference of opinion in 

 regard to the use of this reserve food. Is it 

 eaten during the long winter months under- 



ground, or does the Chipmunk sleep then and use 

 the supply in the early spring when other food 

 is scarce? Unlike many other hibernating ani- 

 mals, the Chipmunk is not particularly fat on 

 retiring to its burrow. It is probable that it 

 eats some of its stores at that time in order to 

 get into good condition for its long sleep, leav- 

 ing the bulk of it for its spring breakfast. The 

 period of hibernation varies with the latitude. 

 In New York it is from about October first to 

 April first, the length of time depending upon 

 the severity of the season. 



The final awakening comes with a rush. When 

 the Chipmunk emerges from its burrow there 

 is no sign of long sleep. Then is the time for 

 love making and for mating. It is probable that 

 Chipmunks pair at least for one season. The 

 four or five blind, naked young are born about 

 a month after the mating of the parents, and may 

 be seen in the upper world in late May or 

 in June according to the latitude. There is some 

 evidence that two litters may be produced in a 

 season. 



In addition to its other accomplishments the 

 Chij)munk sings. Those of a given locality will 

 gather and sing their chirping notes for many 

 minutes together, sometimes loud and cheery, 

 sometimes soft and in a conversational tone. 

 From this " chip, chip, chip ! " has come the 

 name. With its airy grace, its quick alert move- 

 ments, its shiny eyes, its bright coloring and its 

 happy notes, the Chipmunk is the veritable fairy 

 of the mammal world. 



Like most rodents the Chipmunk's enemies 

 are manv. All the larger birds of prey find it 

 a choice morsel. Carnivorous mammals get it 

 whenever they can. Badgers will even dig out 

 burrows to get it. The deadliest enemy of them 

 all, however, is the Weasel. Wherever the 

 Chipmunk can go the W^easel can follow, and 

 the only chance of escape left to the pursued 

 animal is to plug up its burrow with dirt. 



\\'e should miss the Chipmunk sadly were it 

 exterminated, yet it is necessary to keep the 

 numbers within moderate limits, because of the 

 many young birds which would become its prey, 

 if it were not kept in check. \Miile it does not 

 climb to any extent, it does scent out low-built 

 nests. The damage done to grain in most parts 

 of the country is slight, and is more than re- 

 paid by the pleasure of its cheery company. 



T. M. Johnson. 



