On the Alert - Chipmunk

The squirrel tribe's little cousin is quick and bright. He is a good climber but not an acrobatic jumper like his plume-tailed relatives. When seeking escape, the chipmunk dives underground rather than climb a tree. With a scolding chirp, he disappears under a woodpile or down a hole. He likes to be near cover, so you will not see him in open fields.

Although he sleeps through the winter's very cold spells, the chipmunk is not a true hibernator. As the sun warms the dark rocks, he will come out to see what is happening and look for a snack or two. This rocky ledge harbours some plant life that also does not retreat from winter. The ferns are the hardy little polypody and the lichens are the jaunty British grenadiers with their red caps.