The Effects of Humans on the Eastern Chipmunk

Relocation

• Eastern chipmunks do not stray far from the opening of their burrow, but the opening may be close to houses and other buildings. The Eastern chipmunk explores flowerbeds, gardens and even human homes in search of flowers, fruit and seeds. Thus, many people consider them pests. In states where the Eastern chipmunk is not protected, homeowners can kill or trap them. Relocation of the chipmunks, however, alters their natural territories, presses the problem on another homeowner and may spread diseases to previously healthy chipmunks.

Habitat Loss

• Temperate deciduous forests, the Eastern chipmunks' normal habitat, continue to shrink as human beings take advantage of the land and resources. The nutrient-rich soils provide some of the best agricultural lands, and the need for more land grows as industrial farms decimate their soil and the human population continues to climb. Development disrupts the Eastern chipmunk's territory and leads to more direct human interaction. Logging and other artificial harvesting practices also decrease available habitat.

Habitat Fragmentation

• Habitat loss has indirect impacts on other Eastern chipmunks through habitat fragmentation. Although the Eastern chipmunk does not travel great distances, habitat fragmentation makes it more difficult to find adequate food for the winter months and might impact mate selection. If a population becomes severely isolated, the genetic diversity decreases, and the population becomes less likely to adapt to major evolutionary pressures. Eastern chipmunks in severely fragmented territories have to cross wooded corridors, roads and cleared land, which leaves them more vulnerable to predators.

Global Climate Change

• As the human population continues to grow and industrialize, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases alter the climate around the world. For the Eastern chipmunk's habitat, experts believe global climate change will alter rainfall and decrease snow. As the weather warms, the Eastern chipmunk may wake up from its false hibernation more frequently. More time awake strains food resources, and if the chipmunk did not store enough food in the fall, it will starve before spring can bear more food. Decreased rainfall also alters the times food is available.