“I need a book about chipmunks.” The Newton Falls Public Library staff member wasn’t too surprised by the statement; we have another patron who enjoys books about squirrels. After careful questioning as to the exact nature of information wanted about chipmunks, it was learned the our patron is having a problem with chipmunks in their garden. She wished to know how to humanely remove them.
A search of our shelves revealed a selection of materials about wildlife and gardens. One of the books taken from the shelf was The Nature-friendly Garden: creating a backyard haven for plants, wildlife, and people by Marlene A Condon. While it did have some suggestions concerning squirrels and birdfeeders, discussed a variety of wildlife including coyotes and bears, it had no information about chipmunks.
Living with Wildlife how to enjoy, cope with, and protect North America’s wild creatures around your home and theirs discourages live traps as they often cause death and do not permanently remove chipmunks from gardens. It does suggest protecting flower bulbs by covering the planting area with coarse gauge wire screen and removing their favorite dwelling places, “like rock and woodpiles, brushy hedges, and dense ground cover. [p.105]. The Friendly Trapper Book II (2) by Harold E. Bailey has instructions for a humane chipmunk trap. Bailey seems to feel that chipmunks were placed here for a reason, and the only time they need to be removed is if we need to protect our homes or vehicles from them chewing on wires.
For answers to your questions, visit the Newton Falls Public Library, 204 S. Canal Street, Newton Falls or phone 330-872-1282. For information about all the free library programs or hours, visit our website at www.newtonfalls.org or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/NewtonFallsLibrary.
