The Courage of Chipmunks

The eastern chipmunk, which is abundant in the Chicago-Calumet River system, can display extreme courage if another animal approaches their territory. Chipmunks make a considerable amount of noise for an animal of its size – about six inches long with a four inch tail – and will employ a variety of sounds to alert to nearby predators. If the predator is on the ground—which could be a snake, fox, or raccoon—the chipmunk will release a string of high-pitched sounds called “chips.” If it’s a hawk, owl, or other winged predator, the chipmunk will emit lower-pitched “chucks.” 

Read more about the fascinating chipmunk in the latest edition of the River Reporter.