I have a stupid pet chipmunk now.

Chip was wandering around near my car, and he was covered in insect eggs. I brushed most of them off with a small comb. I didn't see any adult fleas. That means flies were laying eggs on Chip in hopes of letting their young devour him alive when they hatch. Maybe that means Chip has been on his own for a while.

Just in case, I left Chip outside with a hot water bottle to cuddle and I hoped his stupid mother would return. It's almost dusk and she did not. Chip and his bottle were brought inside and put in a shoe box until I can dump him at some wildlife center.

edit: I took the little chippy to a wildlife shelter the next day. I have a patient # to check on his progress if I want. 🐿️