Nature Notes From Crater Lake - Volume 21, 1955
Crater Lake Institute online library - www.craterlakeinstitute.com
In the last issue of this publication, I described the events which followed the "chipnapping" of a baby Allen's chipmunk by a "villainous" Clark nutcracker at the eastern end of the Rim Campground (Burnham, Edward A. 1954. The nutcracker and the baby chipmunk. Nature Notes from Crater Lake 20:14-15). This chipmunk was picked up by the big bird, which tried to fly away with him and then dropped him. Mrs. William Loftis, wife of the Park Engineer, took over the upbringing of our little "orphan."
The young chipmunk was released last fall by Mr. and Mrs. Loftis in an attempt to adjust him to his natural environment. According to Mrs. Loftis, they did not band or mark him in any way; however, they now have one Allen's chipmunk which sits on the window sill of their home and seems less nervous and excited than most Allen's chipmunks. He will even approach within a few feet of them for food. They are not certain that this is the same chipmunk, but since he is much tamer than the other chipmunks, they think he is perhaps the matured baby of last year.