Hobbies And Interests
Cheek Pouches
Chipmunks make use of specially adapted internal cheek pouches as a method of carrying food around. During winter, the chipmunk doesn't truly hibernate, since it occasionally eats food from its underground caches during this time, as well as from its cheek pouches.
Hibernation State
If the chipmunk's food is scarce, it can survive during winter by reducing its respiration and heart rate, sending it into a state of torpor similar to that experienced by truly hibernating animals such as bears. In this state, the chipmunk only has to wake up occasionally to eat its stored food. Within the torpor state, the chipmunk lowers its respiration rate from 60 to 20 or less per minute. The chipmunk also has a lower overall body temperature during this time, being reduced to 45 degrees Fahrenheit from the usual 100 degrees. As outside temperatures increase, the chipmunk doesn't have to spend the entire season hidden away. It can easily leave its torpor state and become active when milder temperatures arrive.
Cries
Chipmunks have developed a range of cries that are utilized chiefly to warn of danger, but can double as a type of mating call when used by female chipmunks. These cries include a shrill and almost bird-like sound, which lasts for only a fraction of a second and is most often sounded in response to the appearance of danger.
Tree Climbing
Chipmunks are often called ground squirrels, and in comparison to their squirrel cousins spend much of their time foraging on the floor of their habitats, instead of in trees. However, they are adapted to forage for food on upper levels if required by a scarcity of food elsewhere. Chipmunks are very able climbers, and their claws are adapted to allow this by being needle-pointed. Thus, the chipmunk is able to get the required purchase on a tree and reach food, such as berries and insects, found there.