Nebraskaland

NEBRASKAland December 2017

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/912676

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8 NEBRASKAland • DECEMBER 2017 A Mammal Brief By Lindsay Rogers Easily identified by the five solid stripes on their back and reddish-brown rump, the Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is found throughout most of the eastern United States, including eastern Nebraska. The only other chipmunk species in Nebraska – the least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) – is found in the northern Panhandle. The Eastern chipmunk is a primarily ground-dwelling squirrel which feeds on seeds, nuts and fruit. Their diet is supplemented by insects, earthworms, slugs, bird's eggs and mushrooms. They will carry food in their cheeks and often cache or store food throughout their range. They do not hibernate, but rather enter a state of torpor where they will sleep for several days or weeks but wake to feed throughout the winter months. During their active periods in the winter they will feed on cached food. They are extremely vocal and can be heard making a series of chirps or their high-pitched alarm call. ■ Lindsay Rogers is an outdoor education specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. PHOTO BY JOEL SARTORE

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