Shadow Chipmunk

About the Shadow Chipmunk

Allen's chipmunk (Neotamias senex), also known as the shadow chipmunk, is a species of chipmunk native to the western United States. Occurring in California, Oregon, and Nevada, it is a common species of the Sierra Nevada.

Allen's chipmunk's total length measures about 229–261 mm (9.0–10.3 in), with a tail length of 90–111 mm (3.5–4.4 in). Adults weigh 66.8–108.5 g (2.36–3.83 oz), 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.

The coastal subspecies is found solely in the redwood forest belt of California that extends from the Pacific coast to about 32 km (20 mi) 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... Wikipedia →