Chipmunks

The Eastern Chipmunk is diurnal (active during the day). They generally mate in early spring and summer and have litter sizes ranging from 2-8 with a short gestation period of about 1 month. They will usually have 2 litters annually. Chipmunks are primarily ground dwellers and have extensive burrow systems that may be 30 feet or more in length with at least one or more hollowed out cavities where young are reared. Their burrow system entrances and exits are kept free of excavated dirt. They will climb trees and shrubs for food and protection when necessary. Chipmunks eat grains, nuts, seeds mushrooms, insects and some carrion, although carrion is rare in their diet. Chipmunks move quickly and are very alert to danger. Food and protection offered by shrubbery, flowers and gardens attract chipmunks and allow them to become a nuisance that can threaten the appearance and well-being of landscaping and flowerbeds. Their burrowing over time can undermine driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls, and patios. Chipmunks are territorial and when allowed to grow in large numbers can cause even more damage. Their populations can reach up to 20 individuals in a single urban yard. Chipmunks will gnaw into bags containing dog food or bird seed. They will also dig up and consume flower bulbs. There are no real important diseases associated with chipmunks, but they do carry parasites, and thus are vectors for the diseases that fleas, ticks, and other insects can transmit. Their droppings pose the usual excrement health risks, such as leptospirosis or salmonella.