Re: NNG = Ground Squirrels.

We have both Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels and Townsend's Chipmunks where I live in the Northwest (different species). They both have the distinguishing stripes. The chipmunks are smaller and a bit more frenetic (I've lived with a mother that had six babies, you can trust me). The distinguishing feature is that on the chipmunks the stripes go down the face to the nose and they do not on the ground squirrels, which makes me think your fourth photo is a chipmunk, Roger.

Greg is right, they can be very destructive (they're rodents, after all) but also a lot of fun. I once had a ground squirrel looking around my campground while I was sitting in it. Eventually as I sat very still he ended up on my knee, smelling me and looking all round for me. We took advantage of their tendency to rotate their food as they nibble on it with a package of Ritz crackers one time......

Thanks for posting, Roger! Love your wildlife photos.

Timothy