Hokkaido chipmunk washing its face (028)

About the Ezo Squirrel

Hokkaido's "mountain gardeners" who nurture the forests. This photo captures an adorable moment of it washing its face in a "see no evil, hear no evil" pose.

• Hokkaido Endemic Subspecies: The Hokkaido subspecies of the Siberian chipmunk (scientific name: Tamias sibiricus lineatus). It measures 12-15 cm in length and weighs 71-116 g. It is characterized by five black stripes on its back.
• Face-washing Behavior: It rubs its face repeatedly during post-meal grooming. It is often seen vigorously washing its face after eating sticky foods.
• Amazing Cheek Pouches: Its cheek pouches, into which it alternately stuffs food, can store up to six acorns. Its munching looks adorable!
• Forest Gardener: Its "scatter hoarding" behavior, where it buries seeds in the ground in preparation for hibernation, helps to cultivate the forest.
• Half-year Hibernation: It hibernates for 5-7 months from October to April of the following year, surviving the winter on its stored food.

About the Photographer

Kei Sato - An animal photographer who continues to pursue Hokkaido's wildlife

Born in Rumoi City, Hokkaido in 1979. Representative of SLASH Photo Office, OM SYSTEM PRO SERVICE member, and MILLET ambassador. He has been climbing Daisetsuzan for over 10 years, documenting the ecology of the Ezo squirrel and Ezo pika.

Books: "Mountain Gardener Ezo Squirrel", "Kei Sato Photo Collection: Secret Scenic Spots in Hokkaido", "Ezo Pika: Connecting Bonds with Cries"

Awards: Grand Prize at the 35th Japan Nature Photo Contest, Nagaoka Award and Nikkor Grand Prize in the 3rd Division of the 70th Nikkor Photo Contest

This is a shot of a young chipmunk vigorously washing its face. Perhaps it ate something sticky, as it looks adorable as it earnestly washes its face. It seemed to be a young chipmunk born in the spring, and its vigilance was low during mealtime, allowing me to observe it up close.

Recommended for

• Gifts for chipmunk lovers
• Souvenirs from a trip to Hokkaido
• Gifts for animal fans
• Special gifts for coffee lovers
• Those who love cute things

Pack Contents

Home-roasted coffee beans (10g) - 1 cup portion

• Low-acid, easy-to-drink dark roast
• Blend of carefully selected beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, etc.
• Best before: 12 months from roast date
• Package size: 120mm × 100mm × 5mm

About the Premium Souvenir

TAISETSU COFFEE offers drip coffee with packaging featuring photos of Hokkaido's wildlife. Kei Sato's capture of an Ezo squirrel washing its face is vividly printed. It is an ideal high-quality gift that evokes the nature of Hokkaido.