Have you seen the chipmunks on the loose in NR3?

Norfolk Wildlife Rescue is hot on the bushy tail of at least one of the rodents, which is thought to have escaped from a home in Sussex Street that used to keep them. 

Kevin Murphy has been tracking the chipmunk and believes there is more than one, as sightings began around two years ago.  

Norwich Evening News: The chipmunks are said to seem tame, so must have belonged to someone. Photo of one of the chipmunks in a garden on Sussex Street The chipmunks are said to seem tame, so must have belonged to someone. Photo of one of the chipmunks in a garden on Sussex Street (Image: Submitted)

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He said: "I believe there must be a breeding colony to have survived this many years in Norwich."

There have been more reports of sightings in the last week than ever and these reports come from different gardens in the Sussex Street area.

Although similar to squirrels, chipmunks typically only grow to around seven inches long and are mostly native to North America, with a diet mainly of seeds and nuts.

The distinct difference is the stripe that appears on the chipmunks' back and head, unlike the common grey squirrel which has no stripes. 

Norwich Evening News: The fluffy critters are non-native The fluffy critters are non-native (Image: Submitted)

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Kevin continued: “They are possibly moving into other gardens, which means people who are shocked at seeing them or do not like them will report them.  

“Some people who enjoy seeing them will not report them, which is why reports have been slow over the last few years.” 

The experienced wildlife rescuer plans on catching them as he is unsure what risks the non-native species will pose to wildlife.  

He said: "I am concerned they may compete for food sources with local wildlife."

Norwich Evening News: Kevin Murphy, Owner of Norfolk Wildlife Rescue is trying to catch the chipmunks so they can be rehomed safelyKevin Murphy, Owner of Norfolk Wildlife Rescue is trying to catch the chipmunks so they can be rehomed safely (Image: Newsquest)

In 2016 it became illegal to buy or sell chipmunks in the UK. 

The RSPCA says chipmunks have only been kept as pets for a relatively short time and experts are still learning about how best to care for them.

The little critters usually live for four to five years in captivity but have been known to live for up to 10 years, meaning there may be a few pets still in homes today.