Chipmunks are amazing diggers

[Ashful]

For years, I have been finding 1.5 inch diameter holes in the lawn around my barn. These are often dug at this time of year in the dry and hard-as-concrete tracks left by pulling my tractor in and out several times per week. It’s grounded it’s so hard, you would need a pickax to get through it, so I always wondered what type of animal was capable of making these holes.

Today, while standing in the doorway of my shed, I saw a chipmunk dark across the lawn, and dive into one of these freshly-dug holes. Amazing that they’re able to dig thru dirt so dry and compacted by tractor traffic!

 

[Dix]

I'm watching them come out of one of the wood in the morning when I sit on the deck.

I think they have made a home !

 

[Ashful]

I'm watching them come out of one of the wood in the morning when I sit on the deck.

I think they have made a home !

Hands-down, my favorite yard animal to watch. We never had them at any of my prior houses. Squirrels by the bushel, but never chipmunks. So, I was delighted when I moved here a dozen years ago, and found them scurrying around my patio. Like squirrels on speed!

 

[Dix]

Yeah, they are.

And too damned cute

 

[semipro]

I really enjoy the many chipmunks that live around our house although I suspect a few got into our cars and made a mess.

Funny story - my little sister only admitted recently that she set free a chipmunk that my grandfather caught and gave me as a pet many years ago. I'm glad she did it but I wish she had told me sooner.

 

[GrumpyDad]

I have many factions of them running around me at all times, constantly at war with each other as they scurry to gather. It's funny when a big gray squirrel comes in and breaks it all up.

 

[Grizzerbear]

Wire chewers.......I've been at war with them forever.

 

[Ashful]

Direct burial?

 

[begreen]

Direct burial?

Of the chipmunks? Nah. Leave them out for the crows and owls.

 

[stoveliker]

Hm, i don't have animals who can break their legs in a hole like they make, so I have no trouble with them around my home (yet?).

 

[Ashful]

I guess I'm letting my softer side show, but I really enjoy watching them.

... and yes, I still watch the old Chip n Dale cartoons (1930's/40's vintage), too.

 

[stoveliker]

I like them better than squirrels. I'm glad for the hawks we have here - they eat a lot of squirrels...

 

[Ashful]

I like them better than squirrels. I'm glad for the hawks we have here - they eat a lot of squirrels...

I have chickens, so hawks are my natural enemies. I used to let the chickens roam around the yard, collecting bugs. They loved it, and I found them entertaining. But after a few attempted and one successful hawk attack, now I have to keep them penned up 24/7.

It's probably not by chance that a new hawks nest appeared at the edge of my property, just a few months after I got the first chickens.

 

[stoveliker]

I can't fault the hawk. Free range chickens taste the best...

 

[Ashful]

I can't fault the hawk. Free range chickens taste the best...

Yep... that's the trouble with being a chicken. Everything and everyone thinks you taste good.

 

[stoveliker]

Yep... that's the trouble with being a chicken.

And that, my friends, is the philosophical highlight of the day on this website.