the increasing rate of urbanization provides humans with greater mobility, and this advancement provides easier opportunities for humans to introduce non-native species, many of which cause health or economic issues. for instance, siberian chipmunks tend to eat crops and damage urban gardens. in russia, they eat approximately 50 percent of the forest nuts, and in other locations they can produce economic setbacks in regards to grains and orchards because of large consumption of these products. these chipmunks are also known for preying upon low-nesting birds, and siberian chipmunks often compete with other small native animals, such as the red squirrel, wood mouse, and bank vole. however the most concerning aspect of this species' influence revolves around its ability to carry diseases, like lyme disease, that have the potential to create danger for humans and domestic animals.