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Small Wonder

Of all the chipmunks in the yard, the one I least expected to see this year was "old" Mr. Ballsnall.  This old guy is 6 years old and that's one old chippy.

I've read that chipmunks raised in captivity can live up to 8 years, but that is certainly not the case for chippys in the wild.  Most only live to about 2 years old having three strikes against them right from the "get go".  

First, their environment plays a big role in their survival.  It's not just the weather that plays havoc on these frolicking fur-balls and the other animals that live in the wild.  More and more animals are being pushed out of their natural habitat due to the encroachment of humans.  Think about the number of trees that are removed each year to make room for new housing, strip malls, industrial parks - trees that provide food and safe haven for many animals.

Second is mans inability to share his land with wild animals.  Many humans have placed themselves at the top of the animal kingdom and have somehow, over the millennium, forgotten the symbiotic relationship among all living things that is so essential to our existence.  For example, did you know many small burrowing animals, like chipmunks, often eat grubs, ants, and other ground insects, and at the same time provide the service of aerating your lawn.  

Third, natural predators are more likely to kill small animals because there are fewer places for them to hide.  The result is a change in the food supply chain.  While predators continue to multiply, their food supply diminishes putting pets and perhaps small children at greater risk.

To have a chippy as old as Mr. Ballsnall is quite rare.  I love this "old guy", and I hope he lives to a very old age.  He's covered with scars and wrinkles and each year he moves a little bit slower than the year before.  I'd like to think he's made it this far because we've provided him safety and food.  I think it's more likely that he's been very lucky.      

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