The gestation period for all chipmunks is 31 days after which the mother gives birth to up to about eight offspring.When chipmunks are about to fight each other, they use those same gestures, as well as when they are warning other chipmunks of danger.

During breeding season, the male puts on a loud and extravagant show to impress the females by chattering loudly and gesturing with his bushy tail.Interesting Facts About Chipmunks-Part Three The Buller's chipmunk, found only in parts of Mexico, is the only species listed as vulnerable, probably due to population decline and distribution fragmenting.The invasion of humans into their habitat has been identified as the probable cause of their decline (domestic cats kill many chipmunks). The only species that is on the endangered list is the Palmer's chipmunk, which is found only in the Spring Mountains in Southwestern Nevada.According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Siberian chipmunk lives in Asia and is expanding into parts of Europe. The only species of chipmunk not native to North America is the Siberian chipmunk, which is native to Northern Asia.That being said, many people have chipmunks as pets. If cornered, directly handled, or feel threatened, they probably will bite or scratch trying to defend themselves.

Like all wild animals, chipmunks may bite, but they are not aggressive and will normally run from any perceived threat (like you).

Photography by Larry Jernigan Interesting Facts About Chipmunks-Part One As you can see, they carry the food back to their nest in their cheeks. The Forest Service is awaiting further recommendations from California Department of Public Health based on the results.Chipmunks can gather enough food in just a few days to last them all through the winter months, but they tend to over-prepare and hoard much more food than is necessary. Pet owners should keep their animas leashed and away from dead rodents and be taken to a veterinarian if they become sick following a visit to the Taylor Creek area, according to the statement.Īdditional rodent surveillance is planned in the area this week to assess public risk. The county urges anyone who develops symptoms within two weeks of possible exposure to seek immediate medical attention and inform the physician they have been in an area where plague is known to exist. People should also report any sick or dead animals to forest, campground or local health officials, according to the county.

Public health officials urge people to wear long pants tucked into boot tops to reduce exposure to fleas, apply insect repellent containing DEET on socks and trouser cuffs and avoid walking, hiking or camping near rodent burrows. Also, leave your pets at home when visiting areas with elevated plague risk.” “Do not feed rodents in picnic or campground areas and never handle sick or dead rodents. “Individuals can greatly reduce their risk of becoming infected with plague by taking simple precautions, including avoiding contact with wild rodents and their fleas,” Hartmann said. Residents and visitors to picnic spots and campgrounds should take precautions to protect themselves against the disease following the discovery, said Bob Hartmann, El Dorado County’s interim public health officer, in the statement People are typically exposed to plague through an infected flea bite, handling an infected rodent or exposure to an infected pet – especially cats, according to the statement.

Chipmunk plague