Chipmunk Sighting!

That headline might not make the breaking news, but its a sign that spring is on its way! This morning, while filling bird feeders, we watched a chipmunk popping in and out of its burrow under the snow. While most people think of robins and daffodils as signs of spring, chipmunks are a good indicator of warmer weather as well.






Although they may pop out on a warm winter day occasionally, chipmunks are rarely seen during cold times because they enter a state of torpor. Torpor is a strategy that helps some animals survive cold temperatures and times of scarce food by reducing body temperature and metabolism. Chipmunks are famous hoarders that use their huge cheek pouches to transport food to burrows to stash food away for the winter, but torpor helps make that food cache stretch through the cold months because their caloric needs are reduced.



Make like a chipmunk and pop outside to enjoy this beautiful sunny warm day!