Chipmunk
ExploreMammals
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
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Pocket Power
Chipmunks can stuff their huge cheek pouches with seeds and nuts, carrying snacks bigger than their heads!
Ability
Underground Architect
Chipmunk can dig complex burrows with separate rooms for sleeping and storing food, keeping them safe and cozy.
Ability
Nimble Navigator
Chipmunks have amazing agility and can climb trees or dart over rocks super fast to escape predators.
Ability
Alarm Caller
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not try to touch — they may bite if scared.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Chipmunk?
12-19 cm
How much does Chipmunk weigh?
0.05-0.15 kg
How long does Chipmunk live?
2-8 years
How fast can Chipmunk move?
30 km/h
What does Chipmunk eat?
Chipmunks are omnivores, munching on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and even tiny insects.
Where is Chipmunk usually found?
Forests, gardens, and parks.
How does Chipmunk hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Chipmunk usually have?
2-8
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