Sara Louise Allen, age 13, of Austin, Tex., for her question:

CAN THE CHIPMUNK SAKE A GOOD PET?

Chipmunks are very common in many parts of the United States. Also called ground squirrels, these six  to eight inch animals can be seen scurrying along rock piles as they head for their underground tunnels and dens. They soon seem to become quite tame and are easy to approach. However, they do not make good pets. In captivity they can be sullen and disagreeable.

A chipmunk has fur that is either reddish brown or dark gray. It has a white nose and yellowish white and black stripes on its back. It also has a six inch tail that does not curl up the way tails of other squirrels do.

A chipmunk's underground den has many tunnels and chambers. The living quarters are lined with grass and leaves. Some rooms are used as storage locations. Here grains, seeds and nuts are kept until they are needed.

Chipmunks are famous for their loud and chattering sounds.