A photographer captures an image of a tiny critter's big leap of faith for a meal
DETERMINED TO DEFY GRAVITY, a least chipmunk ignores the snow—and nearby photographer George Sanker—to leap for spotted knapweed seeds on a cold October morning in Grand Teton National Park. Sanker had been tracking a large buck when he noticed two chipmunks scampering up these fragile stems to feast on the invasive weeds. “They did this continuously for about an hour,” says Sanker, who started shooting from a distance and slowly moved closer. “They didn’t care about me,” he says. “They were hungry.”
Call for Entries
This whimsical photograph, and countless other images that have appeared in our magazine, came to us through our photo contest. The 46th annual contest is open until March 20, 2017. Submit your best work and see if your image will one day appear on this page.
More from National Wildlife magazine and NWF:
Chipmunks: More Than Cute
Natural Inquiries: The Key to Chipmunk Chatter
Changing Climate Erodes Genetic Diversity of Mountain Chipmunks
Probing the Hidden World of Snow
NWF Blogs about Chimpmunks
Family Fun: Chipmunk Game
Parker is a shining role model for all she has accomplished and her ongoing positivity, energy, and belief in changing the world for the better.
Read the StoryHear from champions for greater and safer access to the outdoors as they discuss the potential solutions to address the intersectional issues faced by Black communities.
Listen NowBy taking the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, your local leaders can commit to uniting your community around saving the imperiled monarch. Send a message today urging your mayor or head of local or Tribal government to pledge before April 30!
Act NowGet quotes now or call (855) 786-0941
Get Quotes NowMore than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 53 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive.