Jidmoonh by Chipka
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Description
The term chipmunk is derived from a single word in the Odawa dialect of the Ojibwe language. Among Odawa (Ottawa) speakers, the common red, striped squirrel native to the North American landmass is recognized as jidmoonh though in the more common Ojibwe language, ajidamoo identifies the same, burrow-dwelling squirrel. Both variations of the term are commonly translated as “red squirrel.” Among the more European-derived populations transplanted to North America, such creatures were known by a variety of names, including “chip squirrels” which seems to make distinct reference to the sounds such creatures are known to make.
Chipmunks are important members of North American (and Siberian) forest ecosystems. As they are known to harvest and hoard tree seeds, they play an important role in expanding the growth territories of various trees. They are also important dispersal vectors for the spores of subterranean fungi such as truffles. Most sporocarps (truffle thingies) have actually co-evolved with chipmunks and other mycophagous (fungus-eating) mammals; as a result of such co-evolution, sporocarps have lost their ability to disperse their spores through the air.
Though recognized as fungus-eaters and nut-eaters, Chipmunks are omnivorous, opportunistic predators, especially in regard to bird eggs, insects, worms, and in some cases, infant mice and small reptiles.
The chipmunk depicted here, resides in the city of Evanston, and was captured (at least photographically) after emerging from one of the many probable ingress/egress ports of an undoubtedly intricate (and incredibly clean) underground compound. Chipmunk nests are often composed of a complex series of tunnels and chambers, often stretching up to three meters in any direction. Living and storage areas are kept fastidiously clean, while abandoned shells and feces are kept in separate chambers and tunnels. Indeed, most chipmunk waste products remain buried, thus helping to hide the creatures from larger, hungry predators. As chipmunks live in concealment for the most part, their sleep patterns and other modes of behavior reflect this; their lives, like those of other rodents and bats, are not spent in a constant state of alert. As one interested in things such as the emergence of intelligence, I find myself wondering if—in some distant future—Humanity might find itself confronted with a new…and very secretive emergent-intelligence…
…There’s a story there, I’m sure of it, and I suspect—as well—that this very chipmunk might just be the inspiration of such a tale. Needless to say that given the dietary inclinations of these creatures, the cute critters in question will probably be a bit darker than their inherent eye-appeal implies. Nature works in that way, and so why shouldn’t a science fiction writer?
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting and I hope you’re all on the verge of a great weekend.
Comments (26)
RodS
Cute little bugger.... I've got a couple of these living in my backyard. I think they've burrowed under my storage patio out back - which is ok for now, but I'll be a tad annoyed at the crtitters if a tree starts growing up through the floor! :-D My wife thinks they're cute - they're like her little pets LOL! Great shot, of this 'munk' Chip... ;-P
whaleman
I, for one, will be interested in any such story you might come up with. Fascinating!
Feliciti
so lovely and fun to look at this cute animals !!like the greens around too!!
bmac62
What can I say other then he's so d*#% cute. That's why these little guys can go where they want unmolested by humankind...however, terriers don't hold that view. Bottom line, I won't be introducing Mandy to him/her anytime soon:)
auntietk
What a cutie! He looks like he's dressed for a night on the town. VERY snappy! He stands out nicely from his surroundings, which helps make this an excellent image. Nicely done! (Of course he could be a she just as easily ... I have no idea!)
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God Bless.
durleybeachbum
What a delight! And I never knew that about truffles!
RAGraphicDesign
Beautiful shot! The environment around - mosses, lichens, grass, etc..- is a very nice emerald. My dream: being able to do something like this in Vue (including the small animal:)
Sepiasiren
daww, daww, daww wook at him--he's so cute! I love little baby furry thigns--wait? Is that a baby thing--oh who cares--tis still cute! :-)
EJD64
I don't care where you travel in the US, you will find these guys in someone yard. Great shot and a remarkable story. Thanks
NefariousDrO
A friend of mine says that cuteness is their primary defense mechanism, and I have to admit the idea works for me pretty well. This is an amazing shot, you must have been able to get pretty close. The lush green plant life around gives this scene a very warm cheerful mood that goes very well with the cute little bugger.
thecytron
A very good capture!
Faemike55
Fantastic capture Chip a most handsome chipmunk
MrsRatbag
This little fellow seems well fed and very healthy; what lovely little furperson! Lucky you to have witnessed his/her visit to the topside!
flavia49
sweet little guy
sandra46
VERY COOL
CoreyBlack
Don't remember this critter. I must have been off making pictures of cars in the parking lot or something... Anyway, this is one cute critter. Kind of makes me want to take him home and feed him truffles.
ia-du-lin
lovely scene, very nice shot
toyyaris
that's a cute one hugs
THROBBE
Great writing and info on the chipmunk! Great work!!!
dragonmuse
How charming.. nicely presented too.
helanker
OHHH WOW!!! What a cute little fellow. You really captured it beautiully. Wonderful capture :-)
myrrhluz
Very cute critter. I love their white markings and bright eyes. You captured him in a perfect location, secluded with wonderful colors, textures, and lines. This would be an wonderful illustration for a children's book. Excellent capture!
KatesFriend
A secretive, sub-terranean technological society evolved from chipmunks. That's a cool idea. Indeed, there is a great potential for some clever social satire there. I didn't know that chipmunks were omnivores but I suppose that makes sense. Especially with respect to insects and worms. It surprises me that they would go after birds eggs. Risking the wrath of a full sized adult bird is not something I would have expected even the most ambitious of chipmunks to try. I love the colours in this shot with the earthy shades and your model untroubled by the presence of the big but silly creature that seems to be too curious for its own good. What is the silver ting its holding? It doesn't look eatable.
lwperkins
He's picture-perfect here, and they are feisty, curious little rodents--too curious for their own good, my cat often catches them when they venture too far from their safe holes. I had no idea they ate fungi, but it makes sense!
danapommet
S/he is a cute little Chipmunk and I like the green surroundings. Did not know that they were omnivores and very interesting narrative from the early naming to their sleep habits.