Cliff Chipmunk

Description:

Gray back has indistinct stripes. Center dorsal stripe dark, others faint. White patch behind ears. Sides are brownish, underparts are creamy white. Tail is brownish orange below. T. d. utahensis from Utah has a more distinct dark stripe down the center of its back than other subspecies. Identifiable by pale gray color of back.

Habitat:

El Malpais National Monument is a United States National Monument that is located south of I-40 in northwestern New Mexico. The name (meaning "the badlands" in Spanish) comes from the rough, barren lava flow that makes up much of its terrain. El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area was established in 1987. The national monument protects 114,277 acres of volanic landscape, while the adjacent national conservation area protects an additional 263,000 acres. The area has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, and historic and archeological sites provide reminders of past times. To this day Indian groups including the Acoma, Laguna, Zuni, and the Ramah Navajo still utilize the park for traditional activities including gathering herbs and medicines, paying respect, and renewing ties.

Notes:

I spotted this little fellow dashing down a hillside between the rocks and trees, then lost sight of it as it vanished behind a tumble of boulders. A few minutes later, I spotted it again as it shot out across the hillside. This, unfortunately, was the only photo I could get as it scurried along.