Looking at the shortened tail, it seems like there was a big battle. I don't know much about chipmunk society, but I think they have their own fierce competition. So it suddenly disappears, and it appears new. I think the friend who left comes back. The saddest thing is that there are many friends who can't meet in spring after going into hibernation.
It is so hard seeing the stress that they live through. I can only hope that our patio gives them a bit of comfort and peace from their struggles. Such amazing creatures.
As to their fighting, mine always just chase and push each other, not really intending injury. (I think their injuries are mostly close calls with predators, slipping stones, scratches from wire and such). However, the past two weeks Jeannette has been tackling with enough force that the other gives out a squeak, which none of them have ever done in my yard. The only time I’ve ever seen one kind of be like that is during healing: trying to retain dominance in the territory while not at 100% by showing extra force. My extra efforts the past few days to make Jeannette feel safe seem to have significantly decreased his aggression to the others
@@scindylottcritters A shorter tail is the result of a fight between them. So sometimes a baby chipmunk has a very short tail. I think it's the rules of their society.
I think he got hurt and hid in his second home, and then had to fight his way to regain his territory and main hole, further injuring him. So he was super skittish while he healed, and, now that he’s mostly healed, he’s showing extra aggression to reclaim his status as the alpha/dominant male of the territory. I do think it’s Jeannette, and that the behavior changes are from going through some rough months. Giving him extra love
Love chipmunks ❤❤
❤️🐿️
Looking at the shortened tail, it seems like there was a big battle.
I don't know much about chipmunk society, but I think they have their own fierce competition.
So it suddenly disappears, and it appears new.
I think the friend who left comes back.
The saddest thing is that there are many friends who can't meet in spring after going into hibernation.
It is so hard seeing the stress that they live through. I can only hope that our patio gives them a bit of comfort and peace from their struggles. Such amazing creatures.
As to their fighting, mine always just chase and push each other, not really intending injury. (I think their injuries are mostly close calls with predators, slipping stones, scratches from wire and such). However, the past two weeks Jeannette has been tackling with enough force that the other gives out a squeak, which none of them have ever done in my yard. The only time I’ve ever seen one kind of be like that is during healing: trying to retain dominance in the territory while not at 100% by showing extra force. My extra efforts the past few days to make Jeannette feel safe seem to have significantly decreased his aggression to the others
@@scindylottcritters A shorter tail is the result of a fight between them.
So sometimes a baby chipmunk has a very short tail.
I think it's the rules of their society.
I hope he just moved away. They do that sometimes to avoid predators or just because. 😘🐿🙏 stay safe animals its a dangerous world
I think he got hurt and hid in his second home, and then had to fight his way to regain his territory and main hole, further injuring him. So he was super skittish while he healed, and, now that he’s mostly healed, he’s showing extra aggression to reclaim his status as the alpha/dominant male of the territory. I do think it’s Jeannette, and that the behavior changes are from going through some rough months. Giving him extra love