Chiipmunk

Chiipmunk
Quick! Take the pic ... we're losing my light!
Go WILD for a while — be a Chipmunk, baby!
Pose like you're already famous! (Portrait of an Eastern Chipmunk)
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The Chipmunk is a small, easily recognizable rodent in the squirrel , or Sciuridae, family. They are part of the ground squirrel , or Marmotini, tribe. Researchers recognize 25 different species, and place them in three different taxonomic genuses. Read on to learn about the Chipmunk .
Despite the numerous species, most Chipmunks look quite similar to one another. They have small bodies with little rounded ears, several dark stripes down their flanks, and a mid-length furry tail. Their tail does not have the bushiness of a tree squirrel .
These little rodents measure about 5 or 6 inches long, with 4- or 5-inch-long tails. Most species weigh about 3 or 4 ounces, though size varies based on location.
Each species is slightly different from the next. Learn a few interesting tidbits about several specific species below.
These rodents occupy a number of different habitats, though their primary choice is forest. However, each species has its own unique preferences. For example, the Siberian species utilizes both forest and taiga habitat, while the eastern species lives in coniferous forests and also ranges into suburban areas.
As you saw with the eastern species, sometimes these rodents utilize more urban areas. You can find them in parks, gardens, suburbs, farms, and more.
The various species live primarily in North America, with the exception of the Siberian species. The Siberian species inhabits vast regions of northern Asia.
As for the rest of the species, they live throughout Canada, the United States, and some species range into Mexico. Humans have also introduced some species outside of their natural range as well.
All of the various species have omnivorous diets. This means that they feed on both plant and animal matter. However, most of the animal portion of their diet consists of insects and other invertebrates. Their diets typically contain seeds, berries, nuts, fruits, fungi, insects, worms, slugs, and even eggs.
They take surplus food and store it in their cheek pouches. Some food they eat when they return to their nest, others they store within the nest for later consumption.
Human interaction varies based on the species. The IUCN lists many species as Least Concern . Most species do not face direct threat from human interaction, but certain subspecies and population in specific regions suffer decline. Those with declining populations usually suffer due to habitat destruction , primarily deforestation.
Humans have not domesticated these little ground squirrels in any way.
No, these rodents do not make good pets. Yes, they are small and adorable, but they are wild animals. If you find a young or injured Chipmunk you should bring it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for care.
In zoos, these creatures require relatively small habitats with an opportunity for them to dig and burrow. They prefer having multiple hiding places, plenty of climbing opportunities, and a variety of vegetation to explore. They do not need to live in groups, as they are solitary creatures.
Zookeepers feed them a commercially produced rodent food, in addition to a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds.
Across the various species, a single individual lives a solitary life in an underground burrow. During the day, they forage throughout the forest, both on the ground and up in the trees.
They store food in their cheek pouches and carry it back to their nest for storage. As breeding season arrives, males leave their homes to seek females for breeding.
After breeding, the male returns home and takes no part in the care of the young. The gestation period lasts about a month. Most litters contain between three and five young.
Born helpless, they develop quite quickly, and most reach independence when they are about two months old. When they are about a year old, they reach sexual maturity and begin reproducing themselves.

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Sidney Stevens is a writer and editor for magazines, websites, and books, with a focus on health and environmental issues.

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Chipmunks are as cute as can be, with their enchanting eyes, bushy tails, striped backs, and chubby cheeks. You may have seen these tiny rodents darting around your yard or nearby woodlands. Or you may know them from Hollywood. Walt Disney introduced his animated chipmunk duo, Chip and Dale, in 1943, and 15 years later Ross Bagdasarian captured America’s heart with three chipmunk brothers—Alvin, Simon, Theodore—singing their musical hit “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late).”

But these pudgy-faced charmers are so much more than that. The following chipmunk trivia—touching on everything from their complex personalities and food habits to their social proclivities and living preferences—may just surprise you. Tiny doesn’t always mean simple.

You don't have to go to a wilderness reserve to experience nature, it's all around us in our cities and suburbs. Critters like chipmunks and squirrels are important players in our ecosystems, and we hope learning more about them will inspire us all to participate in conservation efforts in our own backyards .

At least that’s true of chipmunks in captivity. If their wild cousins require the same amount of snooze time, then all that zippy scampering you see outside has to get done during a nine-hour window each day.

Weighing in at 1 to 5 ounces (28 to 142 grams), chipmunks are among the most diminutive members of the squirrel family . That means these pocket-sized rodents are also related to woodchucks and prairie dogs, which share a branch on the squirrel family tree as well.

There are 25 species of chipmunks, ranging mostly from Canada to Mexico across a variety of stomping grounds from forests to deserts to suburban neighborhoods. Only one species, the Siberian chipmunk, makes its home outside North America, scampering over much of northern Asia as well as in Europe, where it was introduced via the pet trade in the 1960s.

While some chipmunks make nests in logs or bushes, most prefer to dig vast underground burrows. These hidden homes typically include a camouflaged entrance hole, tunnel systems that can stretch 10 to 30 feet (3 to 9 meters) long, food storage areas, and a nesting chamber that is kept immaculately clean and lined with leaves and other plant matter.

Just about any carnivore bigger than one of these little critters is a potential threat. That includes owls, hawks, weasels, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, lynxes, cats, dogs, snakes, and sometimes even their own squirrel cousins. Chipmunks avoid becoming meals by being quick and nimble—and sticking close to home. These speedy escape artists remain ever-vigilant while out foraging for food, racing away at the first sign of danger down their burrow hole, into the brush, or even up a tree.

Chipmunks aren’t picky eaters and spend a lot of time searching for their next meal, including at bird feeders (as many annoyed homeowners can attest). These omnivores love nuts, berries, seeds, mushrooms, insects, frogs, earthworms, lizards, baby birds, and bird eggs. During late summer and fall, they begin carrying extra food back to their burrow in their ample, stretchy cheek pouches (which can hold a stash three times the size of their head). National Geographic reports that a hardworking chipmunk can gather as many as 165 acorns in a single day. This foraging also benefits the larger ecosystem; chipmunks spread seeds and important mycorrhizal fungi that live around tree roots, ensuring they thrive.

Starting in late October, some chipmunks fall into a deep sleep with a slowed heart rate and lower body temperature for extended periods until March or April. At that point, depending on the year, they may have to dig through as much as three feet of snow to get out of their burrows. Unlike bears, though, chipmunks don’t bulk up their fat stores to sleep through the entire cold season. Instead, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, they wake periodically to dip into their stockpile of nuts and seeds and even venture outside. 1

Baby chipmunks (called kits, kittens, or pups) are born blind, hairless, and helpless in the spring, usually in litters of three to five. Imagine something that looks like a pink jelly bean. Pups weigh a mere three grams, but develop quickly and leave the nest by 4 to 6 weeks of age to make their own way in the world. Sometimes you can spot tiny chipmunks running around outside—a sight that's even cuter than their diminutive parents, as hard as that is to believe.

Despite their reputation for cuddly camaraderie in cartoons, real chipmunks don’t bear much resemblance to their fictional counterparts. They will fiercely defend their territory and chase away any invading strangers. In fact, they’re mostly solitary creatures—at least until breeding season arrives. Twice a year in spring and late summer, males (called bucks) and females (does) come together to mate, then part ways again. Female chipmunks raise the pups, but don’t remain close to their offspring once they leave.

No, they don’t sing like Alvin and his brothers, but chipmunks do have a sizable vocal repertoire, announcing everything from territorial claims to terror over nearby predators. Vocalizations include chips, chucks, and trilling alarm calls. In fact, chipmunks are so talkative, and their high-pitched communications are so ubiquitous, many people mistake them for bird calls.

" Chipmunk ". CT.Gov - Connecticut's Official State Website .
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This article was last updated on 07/28/21
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While TV typically portrays chipmunks as cute, many gardeners know that these small rodents can be as destructive as their larger cousin, the squirrel. Getting rid of chipmunks in your garden is similar to getting rid of squirrels . Chipmunk control requires just a little knowledge.
Traps can be an effective way to rid chipmunks from your garden. Since chipmunks are small, you can use the same types of traps for chipmunks that you would for rats. Both snap traps and live traps are an option for getting rid of chipmunks. Snap traps will kill them, while live traps will make it so you can transport them to a more suitable location. Be aware that chipmunks are protected animals in some states. Check your local laws before using snap traps for chipmunk control.
Chipmunks are fond of nuts and seeds, so peanut butter and sunflower seeds are good bait for your traps.
Common chipmunk repellents are pureed garlic , hot peppers , or a combination of both. Steep the pureed garlic and hot peppers in 1 cup (240 mL.) of hot, soapy water until the water is cool. Strain and add 1 tablespoon (15 mL.) of oil. Shake and pour into a spray bottle. Spray this on plants you wish to keep the chipmunks from.
Other chipmunk repellent suggestions include castor oil , predator urine , and ammonium soap.
Chipmunks like shrubs and rock walls because they provide convenient places to hide. Removing these types of plants and structures from near your house will make your yard more dangerous and less attractive to chipmunks.
Eliminating chipmunks through attracting one of their predators is a way to work with nature to fix the problem. Build an owl box to try to attract these beautiful, nighttime predators to your yard. Owls feed on small rodents like chipmunks. Not only will the owl take care of chipmunk control, but will also control voles , moles , mice , and rats .
Following these steps should result in eliminating chipmunks from your garden. But if all else fails, you can always fall back on plan B, which is to provide food for the chipmunks away from where they are causing damage. The idea is that if they have an easy food source, they won’t go after the more difficult ones. While you will not be rid of chipmunks, you will at least be able to enjoy their antics while reducing the damage to your yard.
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