Stage 7 — Burrowing, Foraging & Pre-Release Conditioning

The Ottawa-Carleton protocol uses a large cage of roughly 2 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft with ½-inch welded wire and a floor-level nesting box as a practical pre-release reference. For tiny western species, verify that every gap is small enough to prevent escape.

• Predator-proof roof, sides, doors and floor/perimeter
• Dry nest box at ground level with natural nesting material
• Soil/leaf litter or deep digging trays, logs, roots, rocks and tunnels
• Branches and low climbing structure without turning the enclosure into a tree-squirrel cage
• Shade, rain protection and excellent drainage
• No loose string, looped fabric or wire points that can catch feet

When feasible and legal, the final pre-release enclosure should be on or adjacent to the intended release site. This allows the chipmunk to experience the local sounds, smells, weather, predators and food availability before the door opens.

Keep raccoons, cats, dogs and other animals away from the enclosure. A predator repeatedly climbing or striking the cage can cause severe stress even if it cannot physically enter.

• Stop hand-feeding as soon as it is no longer medically necessary.
• Service food/water efficiently and leave.
• Do not call the chipmunk, encourage approach or offer treats through the mesh.
• Use natural cover so the animal can avoid being seen.
• A release-ready chipmunk should be difficult to catch and should not calmly sit at the door waiting for a person.

Chipmunk rehabilitation decisions should be based on the animal’s age, body weight, medical condition, species, season and release habitat. These references provide the practical and veterinary framework used throughout this pathway.