Loss of radio contact indicated a departure from the den. Den activity was downloaded onto a PC computer and displayed as a daily actogram of radio contact. As a handling control project, all resident chipmunks within the auxiliary tract were trapped, identified, and marked to distinguish individuals. Fifteen were chosen for SCN-lesioning and 15 for controls. Chipmunks visited the artificial burrows, but none took up residence during the initial eight week period.
More time is necessary to examine reproductive success.
Daily actograms for two animals indicate that both control and SCN-lesioned chipmunks remained diurnal in their activity patterns. Comparison of mortality in the two study areas must await future data. However, SCN-lesioned animals do survive and prosper at least several weeks after repatriation.