Chipmunks

Chipmunks are small rodents looking similar to squirrels. There are about 25 species of the Chipmunk, most of them are found in North America and Eurasia. These little creatures are very important for the ecosystem they live in. They harvest and hoard tree seeds, consume various fungi and disperse their spores. The Chipmunk is an important prey for a number of predators, and is an omnivorous itself. It occasionally feeds on eggs, frogs, and insects, though the basic of its diet consists of seeds, grain, and nuts.

In the wild, Chipmunks build long burrows around 3 meters in length with several entrances and tunnels. The sleeping area is situated very far from all entrances. In special tunnels, Chipmunks store food and garbage to keep the sleeping area clean. Some Chipmunk species stockpile much food in the burrow and don’t come out in winter; others make small, but multiple cashes of food. The reproductive rate of the species is rather high. The Eastern Chipmunk, for instance, produces two litters of four or five babies a year. The young are able to leave the parents’ burrow at the age of six weeks. They become fully independent at around 8 weeks.

Wild Chipmunks are very curious. They often become bold enough to come close to humans and take food from their hands. Though cute and funny, a Chipmunk should not be taken home and kept as a pet. Wild caught Chipmunks don’t make friendly pets and try to escape. A wild Chipmunk’s bite can transmit infections. If you are bitten by a wild Chipmunk, visit a doctor to check for infections.

Only captive bred Chipmunks can be kept as pets. Breeders who produce these animals for sale check the breeding stock for possible disorders and sell baby Chipmunks with a health guarantee. Chipmunks are not the easiest pets to own. Though small, they need much space to run and play and thrive on communicating with humans. Prior to obtaining pet Chipmunks, learn much about these animals to be ready to face possible problems.