Living With Chipmunk Neighbors
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned chipmunk, learn what to do here!
Chipmunks are fast, fun to watch and common in almost every neighborhood. They are important members of our wild ecosystems, and once you understand their behavior and how to coexist, we hope you love them just as much as we do!
What Should I Do if Chipmunks Are Burrowing Under My Walkway/Yard?
When choosing a burrowing location, chipmunks will look for structures that can prevent invasion from predators. Human-made structures, like houses and walkways, provide sturdy structural ceilings for chipmunk burrows. Chipmunk tunnels usually do not cause any significant damage, so they should be left alone if possible.
If the chipmunks cannot be tolerated, it can be difficult to get them to abandon an established burrow. Their burrows are complex and have multiple openings, so efforts for deterrence should be focused in one problem area. Covering a specific opening with wire mesh can prevent a chipmunk from using a problematic section of their burrow. Before placing the barrier, you will need to ensure no animals will be trapped inside. To do this, you need to dig a trench (1’x1’) around the perimeter of the structure you’re protecting and monitor the use of any revealed tunnels or chambers for two days. Stuff these chambers or tunnels with newspaper to prevent their use, then you can place the barrier. Any barrier placement must occur during the season where chipmunks are active (March-November). Closing off a burrow during the winter could trap hibernating chipmunks inside.
How Can I Prevent Chipmunks From Digging Up Bulbs in My Garden?
Newly planted bulbs are most vulnerable to chipmunks. The best way to protect the bulbs is to cover the planted area with wire mesh that’s then covered with soil. This allows the plants to grow through the mesh but keeps chipmunks from digging them up. It may be necessary to completely cage the bulb with mesh while planting since chipmunks can burrow.
Do you still have questions after reading the information above? Contact us or a local wildlife rehabilitator!
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Resources
Answering the Call of the Wild by Erin Luther. Toronto Wildlife Centre