In a sure sign spring has arrived on campus, groups of chipmunks have been spotted scampering around, marking the end of their semi-hibernation. These chipmunks have been in hiding since late October. Chipmunks do not truly hibernate. They instead stay in a state of torpor, or semi-hibernation, meaning their body temperature and heart rate decrease significantly. However, they still wake up periodically during the winter to eat stored seeds and nuts. These chipmunks are longtime residents on the Central Oregon Community College Bend campus. Be on the lookout for these symbols of spring!
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A sign of spring at COCC
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A chipmunk sits on a rock holding food in its paws.
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A chipmunk held food in its paws, while it looks out.
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A chipmunk scurried across the rocks in a parking lot on campus.
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A chipmunk ate a snack in the grass on campus.
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About the Contributor
Carli DeGarlais, Staff photographer
Carli DeGarlais is a staff photographer for The Broadside. She is in the process of completing her prerequisites for a nursing program, with the goal of becoming a neonatal nurse. In her spare time, DeGarlais loves to go to concerts, go paddleboarding, find new coffee shops, and watch old romcoms.
Marilyn Dickinson | May 10, 2025 at 7:24 pm
Those are golden mantle ground squirrels, not chipmunks.