Location: Keuka Lake to Seneca lake trail.
Physical description of location: Nick and I like to go on hikes and decided to check out the Keuka lake to Seneca lake hiking trail that runs from Penn Yan to Dresden. Bicyclists and nature walkers love the trail cause its right next to the stream. It was really pretty, the leaves were turning color and falling and it wasn't to cold.Describe sighting: As we were walking the trails, i noticed something scurry by us, his or her tail was sticking up and it planted itself on the bottom of a tree. I saw the stripes on the back and realized it was a chipmunk. He was probably gathering food for the upcoming winter, though it doesnt look like its going to be a snowy winter, we hardly have gotten any snow yet. Unfortunately, i couldnt get any pictures of the critter. They're all to fast for a camera shot. I probably should dress up as a chipmunk, maybe that way they wont run away from me.
Natural History: They like to live in brushy areas, stone walls in woods and suburbs. They're home range ranges from 1/2 to 3 acres and they love to eat seeds, nuts and fruits. They have huge cheeks that they store their food in. (reminds me of when someone has food in there teeth and they say theyre saving it for later) Their mating happens from February to April and June to July. They can have up to 7 young and 1 to 2 litters. The young are weaned at 4 weeks and are independent after 8. I would love to have a chipmunk as a pet, theyre so cute. :)
For future study: Is it possible to own a chipmunk as a pet? There are a lot of different species of animals that can be trained to be pets. Ive heard you can have a raccoon and a skunk as pets so is it possible to own a chipmunk, if so i want one.
Sources: Stokes, D. and Stokes, L. 1986. Guide to Animal Tracking and Behavior.
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