Mammals of the Southwest Mountains and MesasOlin, George
Science
Mammals of the Southwest Mountains and Mesas
Olin, George
Mammals -- Southwest, New
Range: North and western Utah extending through southeastern Arizona and
western New Mexico. Found mainly in the Upper Sonoran Zone. Total length
8⅘ to 9½ inches. Tail 3⅘ to 4½ inches. _The most indistinctly striped of
any of these chipmunks._
Generally speaking, chipmunks are the link between ground squirrels and
tree squirrels. Physically they have characteristics of both groups, a
combination that is pleasing indeed. A field mark that is a positive
identification of the chipmunk group is the striped face. In addition to
facial stripes, chipmunks also are striped along the back. The pattern
consists of a dark to black median line bordered by two more similar
lines of varying intensity along each side. These fine lines are
separated by broader bands of contrasting color ranging from chestnut to
white. The latter characteristic is shared by several of the ground
squirrels, which often are confused with chipmunks. Predominant colors
of southwestern chipmunks run to rufous, chestnut, and grayish white
with the dark to black lines mentioned above. Underparts are always
considerably lighter than the back. Chipmunks’ tails are usually shorter
than their bodies, flattened horizontally, and short haired when
compared with tree squirrels. All species have cheek pouches of
considerable capacity.
As will be seen from ranges given above, habitat of the chipmunks
encompasses the whole area from sagebrush-covered foothills to
timberline. Their densest population, however, is to be found in thick
forest about midway between these two extremes. Here their bright colors
and sprightly actions do much to enliven somber surroundings. Despite
their wonderful climbing ability, they are most often seen at ground
level or just a little higher. They are fond of areas containing fallen
trees. The prostrate trunks serve admirably as highways for their forays
in search of food, and under the litter which accumulates around them
are many havens into which a hard pressed chipmunk may pop when pursued
by an enemy. The territory appropriated by each of these little
creatures is explored with the most minute care, and all places of
refuge are noted for future emergencies. Any attempt to chase them will
reveal their uncanny memory for these temporary hiding places and that
they are seldom at any great distance from one.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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