Back in the late 1960’s, Dad and Mom hauled 7 of us children to the Grand Mesa in Colorado. We were crammed in a non-airconditioned station wagon, pulling a pop-up camper in early August. I don’t remember the Grand Mesa.
I do know that it is cooler on the Grand Mesa than where I am living for the summer. The mesa rises to an average elevation of around 10,000 feet. My apartment at Colorado National Monument is at approximately 5,700’ in elevation. On my first visit to the mesa, I noted the temperature in the valley was 102°. Upon reaching the Visitor’s Center up on top, the temperature was 73°. That was much more to my liking. Unfortunately, it is a little too far to commute daily.
Chipmunks and ground squirrels frequent the mesa. A local hotspot for seeing them up-close is by the Land’s End Observatory, on the west end of the mesa. They are accustomed to begging for food and being fed, offering close-up comparisons.
There is a difference between the two mammals. Compare the size and patterns in the close-up image below.
To survive the long winters, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels put on a layer of fat to fuel their bodies while they hibernate. Their bodies slow down to the point of only needing one breath a minute and five heart beats a minute.
Least Chipmunks employ a slightly different tactic for winter survival. They are not true hibernators. Instead, they are in a state of torpor, from which they occasionally arouse to feed on stored food. Therefore, it is critical that they stash food to make it through the winter.
Looking back on all of our wonderful yearly family vacations during the 60’s and 70’s, I wonder how many times we thought we were feeding chipmunks when we were actually feeding ground squirrels. Actually, it didn’t matter. It did help nurture my appreciation and love of wildlife.
Great young man. Don
Thanks Don.
I am remember going out West as a kid and feeding ground squirrels on our family vacation too!
Awesome memories.
Thank you Stan a great history lesson .
You are welcome. I hope you are taking good care of yourself in the heat and smoke.
Cool, Stan. We always love your updates with wonderful pictures and educational material! We appreciate your talent, delving into details and talent in communicating
to us. Enjoy your summer! Wes & CJ
Thank you. It was fun to get to a higher elevation and cool off. The chipmunks and ground squirrels were pretty entertaining.
Thanks Stan. Your articles are awesome, pictures superb, and your humor makes me smile.
Darlene Von Weihe
It is so good to hear from you. I hope the summer is treating you well.
Thanks for the great photos and info. I always enjoy your posts!
Thank you Carol.
Interesting, I’m never to old to learn something new!
Nor am I Kathy. No doubt, I have confused the two.