Allen's chipmunk

Allen's chipmunk's total length measures about , with a tail length of . Adults weigh , with females being larger than males on average as the species exhibits a dimorphism ration of 1.033. The coastal subspecies (Neotamias senex pacifica) is characterized by an overall dark fur complexion with indistinct dorsal stripes, similar to that of Neotamias townsendii. The inland subspecies (Neotamias senex senex) have a much lighter complexion, with brownish-yellow fur tinged with smoky gray. During the summer and winter, it displays a distinctive black median dorsal stripe along its back. == Distribution ==

The coastal subspecies is found solely in the redwood forest belt of California that extends from the Pacific coast to about inland, and ranges from the Eel River of Humboldt County in the south to the Klamath River of Del Norte County in the north. The inland subspecies's range starts at Shaver Lake, Fresno County and stretches northwards and westwards into the Sierra Nevada, Cascade, Warner, and Yolla Bolly ranges, and bordering the eastern-most boundary of the coastal subspecies' range. == Habitat ==

Allen's chipmunk is a primarily arboreal species, inhabiting coniferous forests and their dense shrubbery, as well as areas of adjacent chaparral. Nests are typically created in fallen logs or hollow trees, particularly those of the ponderosa pine and the Jeffrey pine. == Behavior ==

Allen's chipmunk exhibits a generally social nature. Its call has been observed as being used as an alarm call to possible threats. When approached by a predator, the chipmunk falls quiet and stays motionless, then resumes the alarm call when the predator has passed by. It has often been observed that when one chipmunk began to call, others would join in for up to 15 minutes. Before and after hibernation, the chipmunk tends to become quiet, secretive, and overall inactive. However, as more chipmunks emerged from hibernation in the spring, the population has been observed to become loud and aggressive. The number of offspring ranges from 3 to 5, with the average being about 4.5. Both males and females reach reproductive maturity at 10 months. Natural predators of Allen's chipmunk include hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, snakes, badgers, and weasels. ==References==