Lodgepole Chipmunk

activity

Activity patterns. The Lodgepole Chipmunk is diurnal, with a midday activity peak; it is active year-round. Date of hibernation immergenceis variable, but most individuals begin to hibernate with first heavy snow of winter, emerging between March and early April, or sometimes during winter when weather is favorable. Compared to other chipmunks, the Lodgepole Chipmunk is more arboreal, sometimes building nests in tree cavities or climbing trees when threatened. However, most nests are built in stumps, rock crevices, and cracks. It frequently vocalizes from trees, with tail held upward. Vocalizations are used for courtship or when disturbed, and geographical variation in vocalizationsis reported.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Mixed forests, in the Hudsonian, Canadian, and transition life zones, at elevations of ¢. 1500 - 3300 m. It also occurs in stands of pines and firs (Pinaceae) such as lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Jeffrey pine (P. jeffreyi), and red fir (Abies magnifica). It is associated frequently with sugar pine (P. labertiana), white fir (A. concolor), incense cedar (Libocedrus decurrens, Cupressaceae), chinquapin (Castanopsis sempervirens, Fagaceae) and oaks (Quercus, Fagaceae). The Lodgepole Chipmunk can also occur in burned areas.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Home range is 1 - 3 - 2 - 6 ha, for both males and females, and population density is usually c. 1 ind / ha orless, with a substantial increase in July due to juveniles of the year. At higher elevations, the Lodgepole Chipmunk is sympatric with the Yellow-pine Chipmunk (7. amoenus) and the Least Chipmunk (7: minimus), although at lower elevationsit is sympatric with the Alpine Chipmunk (7: alpinus). It is possible that the elevational range of the Lodgepole Chipmunk is defined by the aggressive behavior of the Yellow-pine Chipmunk and Alpine Chipmunks. Other sympatric species include the Long-eared Chipmunk (7. quadrimaculatus) and the Shadow Chipmunk (7 senex).

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. Breeding season occurs one month after emergence, which varies with elevation, being later at higher elevations. Females produce onelitter per year, typically 3 - 6 young, with an average of 4 - 3, in early summer.

Sciuridae