CHIPMUNK

The Navajo Nation has four species of Chipmunks that are common native residents of the Squirrel family. In fact the Navajo Nation has a unique subspecies of the smallest one called the Least Chipmunk. Like most squirrels they are active during the day. They climb trees very well, but tend to spend much of their time on the ground. They are excellent burrowers as well. Chipmunks are omnivores, feeding mostly on grain, nuts, fruit, and berries. Occaisonally they will eat insects, bird eggs, worms and small frogs..

Chipmunk is called "Hazéíts'ósíí" in the Navajo Language. It was an important animal in olden times since it was hunted for food. And it is said that Chipmunk gave help, direction and advice in Navajo stories.