Little Chipmunk

As I was getting ready to leave the campsite this little chipmunk seem to be very interesting in what I was doing. Maybe hoping for a little food.... more

by Robert Bales

Title

Little Chipmunk

Artist

Robert Bales

Medium

Photograph - Photo

Description

As I was getting ready to leave the campsite this little chipmunk seem to be very interesting in what I was doing. Maybe hoping for a little food.
Chipmunks may be classified either as a single genus, Tamias or as three genera: Tamias, which includes the eastern chipmunk; Eutamias, which includes the Siberian chipmunk; and Neotamias, which includes the 23 remaining, mostly western, species. These classifications are arbitrary, and most taxonomies over the twentieth century have placed the chipmunks in a single genus. However, studies of mitochondrial DNA show that the divergence between each of the three chipmunk groups is comparable to the genetic dissimilarity between Marmota and Spermophilus
Lively and speedy critters, chipmunks are small members of the squirrel family. Their pudgy cheeks, large, glossy eyes, stripes, and bushy tails have made them a favorite among animators, and landed them a series of starring roles in Hollywood.

Of the 25 species of chipmunks, all but one, Asia�s Tamias sibiricus, is found in North America. Ranging from Canada to Mexico, they are generally seen scampering through the undergrowth of a variety of environments from alpine forests to shrubby deserts. Some dig burrows to live in, complete with tunnels and chambers, while others make their homes in nests, bushes, or logs.

Uploaded

October 5th, 2013