Least Chipmunk High In The Wasatch Mountains

Least Chipmunk on an old fence rail – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

While up high in the Wasatch Mountains two days ago I had the opportunity to photograph this adult Least Chipmunk on an old fence rail and I jumped at the chance. I spotted two of the chipmunks close together and stopped my Jeep. One of the chipmunks disappeared but this little striped fur ball stayed put on the fence rail.

This chipmunk could still see the other one and it flicked its tail around like a flag snapping in the wind. Chipmunks can be territorial and I wondered if that was what was the behavior was that I was seeing as I photographed this one.

I found this Least Chipmunk on a sagebrush dotted hillside that included a few serviceberry shrubs, grasses and various species of wildflowers. Green-tailed Towhees also frequent this area and they are what I was looking for when I found the chipmunks.

Spring Least Chipmunk in the Wasatch Mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I adore chipmunks because of their stripes, their big dark eyes, long tails and because of how active they are. They are also fun and challenging to photograph.

Sadly I didn’t have much time with this Least Chipmunk before it raised its tail, climbed down the fence and disappeared from my view. I would have liked to have watched the interactions between the two chipmunks I originally saw for a longer period of time.

It won’t be too much longer before I start to see young Least Chipmunks out and about in the high country of the Wasatch Mountain Range. It would be exciting to photograph them!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Least Chipmunk photos plus facts and information about this species.