Now is the time to look for the first active chipmunk. The appearance of the eastern chipmunk is another sure sign of spring in Minnesota.
Late summer and fall is a busy time for chipmunks, as each becomes a hoarder. Chipmunks carry innumerable loads of food in their bulging cheek pouches to their underground storage spots, working tirelessly to lay away more food than one could ever consume during a long winter. They are not very social, so each has its own burrow in the ground.
Unlike the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, the chipmunk does not need to put on fat before winter. Its large store of nuts and other seeds serve as an underground pantry.
Most chipmunks retire to their burrows between October and early November. They will remain in their underground homes until well into February. They do wake from their deep sleeping about once a week to feed on the food they have stored.
JIM GILBERT
