What is the legal status of chipmunks in Pennsylvania?

Chipmunks in Pennsylvania are classified as not protected but regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This means that while they do not enjoy the same legal protections as federally protected species, they are still subject to certain regulations intended to manage their population and ensure responsible hunting and trapping practices. This regulation is essential for maintaining not only their population but also the health of Pennsylvania's ecosystems, as chipmunks play a role in seed dispersal and as part of the food web.

The other options suggest statuses that do not accurately reflect the legal standing of chipmunks. For instance, classifying them as a federally protected species would imply that they receive nationwide legal protections against hunting or trapping, which is not the case. Similarly, claiming they are completely unregulated overlooks the necessary oversight the Pennsylvania Game Commission provides for their management. Lastly, the suggestion that they are protected year-round is misleading, as there are defined hunting seasons and regulations around their control in the state. Thus, the correct answer highlights the balance between the need to manage wildlife populations and the importance of regulation in conservation efforts.