Chipmunk

Tamias striatus

Chipmunks are small, striped rodents that collect seeds in their cheek pouches. They live in burrows underground.

Habitat: Forests, gardens, and parks.

Appearance

The Chipmunk has distinctive reddish-brown fur with five dark stripes down its back, bordered by white or gray stripes. Its bushy tail is often held upright, and its small, alert eyes make it easily recognizable from squirrels.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusTamias

Chipmunk

Interesting facts

A group of chipmunks is sometimes called a 'chattering' – how fitting for such vocal critters!

Chipmunks can hibernate, but they wake up often to eat from their stored food!

Chipmunks help forests grow by burying seeds that they forget to eat, planting new trees!

They use their tails as a counter-balance when climbing or running, just like an acrobat!

Special abilities

Chipmunks can stuff their huge cheek pouches with seeds and nuts, carrying snacks bigger than their heads!

Chipmunk can dig complex burrows with separate rooms for sleeping and storing food, keeping them safe and cozy.

Chipmunks have amazing agility and can climb trees or dart over rocks super fast to escape predators.

Chipmunks make a loud 'chip-chip' warning call to alert others when a predator is nearby, keeping their group safe.

Measurements & details

Length: 12-19 cm
Weight: 0.05-0.15 kg
Lifespan: 2-8 years
Top Speed: 30 km/h
Litter Size: 2-8
Gestation: 30-31 days

Diet & Feeding

Chipmunks are omnivores, munching on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and even tiny insects.

Primary Foods

Nuts
Seeds
Berries
Fungi
Insects
Bird eggs

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

A common aerial predator of chipmunks.

eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

Chipmunks are a small part of this larger predator's varied diet.

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Young chipmunks can fall prey to these ground-dwelling snakes.

depends on

White Oak

Quercus alba

Chipmunks rely on acorns from oak trees for food.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!