Chipmunk - Animal Facts For Kids - Characteristics & Pictures

Chipmunk With Stuffed Cheek Pouches - Photo: colacat/Shutterstock

Chipmunk Facts

Size	4-7 inches (11-19 cm)
Speed	Up to 20.5 mph (33 km/h)
Weight	2.3-5.2 ounces (66 and 150 grams)
Lifespan	2-3 years
Food	Nuts, seeds, insects, fruits
Predators	Falcons, foxes, racoons, snakes, rats, weasels, owls
Habitat	North America
Order	Rodents
Family	Squirrels
Scientific name	Tamias striatus
Characteristics	Small rodent with striped fur, cheek pouches, and large teeth

Main Characteristics

Chipmunks are small rodents that are closely related to squirrels. They feature noticeable stripes on their backs, which help in distinguishing them from squirrels. They possess large cheek pouches for food storage, similar to those of a hamster. Their diet mainly includes nuts and seeds, and they can gather as many as 165 acorns in just one day.

Chipmunks Have Distinctive Stripes on Their Backs - Photo: Bastrik/Shutterstock

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Species

There are 25 species in total, with the greatest diversity found in America, where 24 of the 25 species reside. The most well-known and common species include the Eastern chipmunk, the least chipmunk, the California chipmunk, and the yellow pine striped squirrel. The Siberian chipmunk is the only species that lives outside of America.

Distribution and Habitat

Distribution

Chipmunks are found in America, Asia, and to some extent in Europe. In North America, the Eastern chipmunk is the most common. The Siberian chipmunk is the most numerous and widely distributed species. It can be found in Russia, China, Korea, and Japan. There are also some in Europe, including Germany, specifically in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria. However, these are not native animals; they were introduced to Germany through the pet trade.

Habitat

Chipmunks inhabit forests, such as deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and even the cold forests of the taiga. They spend most of their time in burrows that they dig themselves. When living near humans, they may also reside under houses.

Way of Life

Alvin and the Chipmunks form an inseparable trio, embarking on the wildest adventures together. In reality, however, these small rodents are solitary creatures that primarily lead their lives alone. Chipmunks are diurnal.

Chipmunk Anatomy and Appearance - Photo: Bastrik/Shutterstock

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Anatomy and Appearance

Size and Weight

Chipmunks measure between 4-7 inches (11-19 cm) in body length, with their tails ranging from 3-4.5 inches (7.5-11.5 cm). They typically weigh between 2.3-5.2 ounces (66 and 150 grams).

Fur Color and Stripes

Chipmunks sport brown to reddish-brown fur. Notably, they have five dark brown and five light brown stripes running down their backs. They also feature striking light brown markings around their eyes. Their bellies are white, while their tails are dark brown to dark gray.

Cheek Pouches

Chipmunks possess small pouches in their mouths, which are actually practical folds of skin. These serve as temporary storage for food, especially useful when danger is near and they can't eat in peace. Alternatively, they may be full but want to stash food as a backup in their burrows. When filled, these cheek pouches can be larger than their heads!

Toes

On their front paws, chipmunks have only four toes, while their hind paws have five.

Chipmunks or Squirrels – What’s the Difference?

Stripes or no stripes – that’s the question! Chipmunks have five dark brown stripes on their backs, interspersed with five light brown stripes. Squirrels, on the other hand, come in various colors like red, brown, and black, but they are always solid-colored and lack stripes.

Diet

Chipmunks are primarily herbivores, mainly feeding on nuts, but they also enjoy seeds, insects, fruits, and occasionally small vertebrates. In a single day, they can gather up to 165 acorns, which is about half of their total winter food supply.

Chipmunk - Photo: George Schmiesing/stock.adobe.com

Behavior

Communication

Sounds

Alvin, Theodore, and Simon from the Chipmunks are quite musical. They play guitar, drums, clarinet, saxophone, and even tuba. The "real" chipmunks also make sounds, but these do not come from musical instruments or resemble singing. Chipmunks sound more like tiny, chirping birds. They have over 30 different sounds ranging from the high-pitched "chip-chip-chip" to soft, deep "chuck-chuck" tones.

Body Language

In the movies and animated series, Alvin and the Chipmunks often let their bushy tails dance. The creators took this cue from real chipmunk species. It's a part of their body language and helps them communicate better with each other.

Winter Rest

Chipmunks do not build up a large fat reserve before winter. In the fall, they gather plenty of supplies in their burrow, which they can rely on during the winter. Therefore, they do not hibernate but rather enter a state of winter rest: they wake up every few days, enjoy a snack, and then go back to sleep.

Tunnel System

Chipmunks dig burrows to protect themselves from predators and raise their young. Their burrow has multiple entrances and chambers that are connected by tunnels. The main tunnel can reach lengths of 20-29 feet (6-9 meters).

Underground Tunnels of a Chipmunk - Illustration

Senses and Abilities

Sense of Sight

Even though Simon wears glasses, real chipmunks have excellent vision.

Climbing

Chipmunks do climb trees, but they spend most of their time on the ground where they find the most food.

Chipmunk - Photo: lastpresent/stock.adobe.com

Life Expectancy

In the wild, chipmunks often live only about a year, and in rare cases, they can reach up to three years.

Enemies and Threats

Natural Enemies

Chipmunks face many predators, especially hawks, foxes, snakes, raccoons, rats, weasels, coyotes, owls, and domestic cats.

Human Impact

Road Traffic

Many chipmunks fall victim to traffic accidents.

Are Chipmunks Dangerous?

Chipmunks are generally not dangerous to humans. They may bite if threatened, but their bite is no worse than that of a hamster. However, in very rare cases, they can transmit salmonella, rabies, or viruses. Additionally, they can act as a 'taxi' for ticks and fleas.

Chipmunk - Photo: Mircea Costina/stock.adobe.com

Importance for the Ecosystem

Chipmunks as Beneficial Creatures

Chipmunks play a crucial role as they disperse seeds through their droppings, allowing new plants to grow in various locations. The tunnels they dig aerate the soil, contributing to excellent soil quality.

Chipmunks as Pests

Chipmunks dig burrows with entrances and exits. Many people find the holes in their lawns annoying and set traps. Caution: Even in live traps, these animals often die due to stress, lack of food, and being discovered too late.

Chipmunks as Pets

Chipmunks do not make good pets because they require a lot of space and do not become tame. In Europe, it is also illegal to keep chipmunks as pets since they are wild animals and listed as invasive species. Invasive species are non-native species that can threaten the local ecosystem. In many states in America, it is also prohibited to keep them as pets.

Two Chipmunks - Photo: Margaret M Stewart/Shutterstock

Reproduction

Chipmunks breed in the spring and early summer. After a gestation period of 30-40 days, they give birth to 4-5 young. At birth, the babies are blind and hairless. In about 6-8 weeks, they grow strong enough to leave the burrow and can start taking care of themselves.

Fun Facts

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Alvin and the Chipmunks is the name of a music group that has won numerous Grammy Awards. Interestingly, they don't exist in real life! The band members, Alvin, Theodore, and Simon, are named after executives from Liberty Records: Alvin Bennett, Simon Waronker, and Theodore Keep. They not only have music but also animated series and movies.

The Chipettes

There is also a group of female chipmunks. The girls are named Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor.

The Chipmunk Is Related To:

• Ground Squirrel
• Marmot
• Prairie Dog

Animals in the Same Biome:

• Beaver
• Black Bear
• Brown Bear
• Moose
• Red Fox
• Red Squirrel
• Opossum
• Shrew
• Skunk
• Snowy Owl
• Raccoon
• Wood Frog
• Wolf

Sources:

• „Go Nuts for Acorns“ (https://ecosystems.psu.edu)
• „Biggest-sellling animated/cartoon band“ (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com)
• „Longest bout of inactivity spent in home“ (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com)