Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

What is the typical environmental behavior of chipmunks during winter?

1. Hibernating

2. Active searching for food

3. Living in large colonies

4. Making extensive runways under the snow

The correct answer is: Making extensive runways under the snow

Chipmunks, unlike some other small mammals, do not truly hibernate during the winter months. Instead, they enter a state of torpor, allowing them to significantly reduce their metabolic rate and conserve energy. During this time, they can be found living in underground burrows where they store food, which enables them to survive until spring. The typical behavior of chipmunks during winter involves making extensive runways under the snow. These pathways help them navigate to their food caches and avoid the harsh conditions on the surface. The presence of snow provides insulation, making it easier for them to move around without exposing themselves to freezing temperatures and predators. While they are not known for living in large colonies, chipmunks are generally solitary except during mating season. Their foraging behavior is also not characterized by active searching for food throughout the winter; rather, they rely on the food they have stored during the warmer months. Thus, making extensive runways under the snow accurately describes their winter environmental behavior.