Posted by Anonymous on January 8, 2004

Q: If a chipmunk is lucky enough to live without getting hurt by another animal does it die in its burrow. I have a bunch on my property. One has gotten hurt (first its tail which healed) probably by a cat - and it was fine after that - then something got one of its eyes - which healed - but now that it only has one eye I leave its food near its burrow and also water which it uses daily - it does not wander away since I guess it knows it is not as capable anymore with one eye. I have put fencing around an area at its burrow giving it enough room to get exercise and eat and drink and if it wants to get out it can but the cats can't get in so it can be out of its burrow and eatb safely now.I just want to know if they die in their burrows if they die of old age.

A: You're certainly taking good care of your chipmunk. Small mammals usually have a very short life simply because there are many predators that they must avoid - no wonder they need to be so prolific.

I've seen very, very little on how wild animals die. It's certainly an interesting topic and one that would be worthwhile to pursue. I have a strong feeling that small mammals, like chipmunks, would spend more and more time in its burrow if it were feeling sick or its age were reducing its activity level. No doubt, most would then eventually die, unnoticed, within their burrow where it was safe. Keep in mind that as small animals slow down in old age, they become more and more vulnerable to predation so few probably make it to this point anyway. Your chipmunk has its food and water brought to its door and predators kept at bay so I would imagine that it will live longer than would otherwise be possible. Of course, during the winter, chipmunks spend much time sleeping so don't be so sure you chipmunk isn't just taking a nap in its burrow during the cold weather. Good luck!

John Wiessinger ( January 10, 2004)