Chipmunk
Chipmunks are small striped squirrels in the squirrel family, found mainly in North America.
Chipmunks are small striped squirrels in the squirrel family, found mainly in North America. They are ground-dwelling rodents with cheek pouches for carrying food, and they live in burrows or dens where they store food and may hibernate in colder months. In Canada, chipmunks are familiar mammals across much of the country, especially in forests, parks, and suburban areas.
Classification and species
Chipmunks are rodents in the squirrel family, Sciuridae. Sources describe them as small striped squirrels, with modern classifications recognizing 25 species and multiple genera, including Tamias, Neotamias, and Eutamias.
Appearance and behaviour
Chipmunks are typically brown or grey with dark and light stripes along the back and face. They are active, inquisitive animals that move quickly on the ground and can climb trees and swim.
Habitat and range
Chipmunks occupy a wide range of habitats, including forests, plains, mountains, and deserts. Most species live in North America, while the Siberian chipmunk occurs in northern Asia.
Diet and food storage
Chipmunks are omnivorous and often gather and store large quantities of food in their burrows or dens. Their cheek pouches help them carry seeds, nuts, and other food back to storage sites.
Life cycle
Chipmunks usually live only a few years in the wild. Young are typically born in late spring, and females may have one or two litters per year.
Key facts
- There are 25 recognized chipmunk species, and 24 are native to North America.
- Chipmunks are small, striped ground squirrels with large cheek pouches used to transport food.
- They are omnivores that eat seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and some animal matter.
- Chipmunks live alone in dens, burrows, hollow logs, or tree-root cavities.
- The Siberian chipmunk is the only species found outside North America.
Chipmunks are familiar mammals across much of Canada, especially the eastern chipmunk in the east and western species in other regions. They are common in forests, parks, and suburban areas, making them a well-known part of Canadian wildlife.[2][8][10]
Frequently asked questions
What is a chipmunk?
How many chipmunk species are there?
What do chipmunks eat?
Do chipmunks hibernate?
Where do chipmunks live?
Are chipmunks found outside North America?
References
- National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/chipmunkSupports: Species count, diet, size, lifespan, habitat, hibernation, food caching, reproduction
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/chipmunkSupports: Definition of chipmunk as a genus of small striped squirrels with cheek pouches; species count
- Havahart — https://www.havahart.com/chipmunk-factsSupports: Genera/classification, North American range, Siberian chipmunk exception
- Pennsylvania Game Commission — https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/wildlife/discover-pa-wildlife/chipmunkSupports: Diet, lifespan, size
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection — https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/ChipmunkSupports: Size, omnivory, eastern chipmunk range including southeastern Canada
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/chipmunk.htmlSupports: Habitat, strips, food items, eastern and least chipmunk notes