A Siberian chipmunk, Hokkaido, Japan
© plainpicture/Score. by Aflo/Takao Onozato/Afl
An expert face-stuffer. Why chipmunks are expert face-stuffers
Our peckish friend here in Hokkaido, Japan, is well-equipped to grab lunch on the go. Chipmunks can stuff a surprising amount of food into their cheeks, which can stretch to up to three times the size of their heads, should the need arise. If a predator shows up, they can carry snacks in their mouths while using those front legs to run off to a safer location.
The Siberian chipmunk is the only chipmunk found outside North America, with a huge native habitat ranging from Russia to northern China, Japan and down into Korea. Although Siberian pine nuts are their favourite meal, these little rodents will eat nearly anything going - seeds, fruits, insects, even small birds and lizards. As long as they haven’t already stuffed their faces to capacity.
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