Following are five more images of the Black (melanistic) Chipmunk. By now many have seen postings of this unique, once-in-a-lifetime Chipmunk. For a description and reference to an article in The Ottawa Citizen see my initial posting at http://www.pbase.com/hankvv/image/127757321 .

On my last (third) time out photographing the Black Chipmunk (Chippy), a few of us decided to set up some props in order to make the Chippy work for its treats. The main prop consisted of a hollow log with a large knot-hole. We placed peanuts in the hole and were hoping for Chippy to retrieve the peanuts and come back out of the hole. The first time, the Chipmunk fooled us. It went in and got the peanuts all right; however, it exited from the open end of the log. A couple of rocks solved that problem and the next time Chippy obliged.

Top image: With the hollow log flat on the ground Chippy exits the knot-hole cautiously with a peanut in its mouth.


Chippy, having exited the log is covered with bits of peanut shell. It looks like Chippy has room for a few more peanuts.


Chippy stuffing its mouth with some peanuts placed on the log.


Chippy exiting the knot-hole in the log which is now placed on an incline.


Out of the hole. Again, note the bits of peanut shell sticking to Chippy's fur.