Eastern Chipmunk

This little chipmunk nearly broke my heart. I found it in the woods yesterday - it was so tiny (~6 cm long /2 inches). It's head and body seemed deformed, and it had a big gash on its neck. I'm guessing it was born deformed and then got attacked? I'm also wondering if it could be blind? I can't stop thinking about this poor, beautiful creature and wish I could have helped it. But, I was hiking without my pack - no gloves, food, container, etc. (not smart, I know). It was so heartbreaking to walk away from this little guy.

comments (6)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Very hard to see, a bad ticket in the lottery of life :( Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, and nearly impossible to walk away from. Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I understand, seeing an animal suffering feels to me like somebody pierces a pin through my heart, and if you can't help it, that is even worse. Let us hope it will not suffer long. Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      After doing a little research, I think this chipmunk is a baby that was attacked :( Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        :( So is the head deformed or do babies always look like that? Posted 7 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I think it's normal because when I looked it up, I saw several pictures of baby squirrels that had weird shaped heads and squinty eyes. But, maybe not - it still could be deformed, I'm not sure. Posted 7 years ago

The Eastern chipmunk

The eastern chipmunk is a chipmunk species found in eastern North America. It is the sole living member of the chipmunk subgenus "Tamias", sometimes recognised as a separate genus. Its name comes from the Odawa word "ajidamoonh" or the Ojibwe word "ajidamoo", which translates literally as "one who descends trees headlong."

Info 54 0

Similar species: Rodents

Species identified by Christine Young