![]() However, studies of mitochondrial DNA show that the divergence between each of the three chipmunk groups is comparable to the genetic differences between Marmota and Spermophilus, so the three genera classifications have been adopted here.Īn eastern chipmunk placing food in its cheek pouchĬhipmunks have an omnivorous diet primarily consisting of seeds, nuts and other fruits, and buds. Īs a result, most taxonomies over the twentieth century have placed the chipmunks into a single genus. These classifications were treated as subgenera due to the chipmunks' morphological similarities. sibiricus) is the only living member and Neotamias, which includes the 23 remaining, mostly western North American, species. striatus) is the only living member Eutamias, of which the Siberian chipmunk ( E. Chipmunks are found in North America, with the exception of the Siberian chipmunk which is found primarily in Asia.Ĭhipmunks may be classified either as a single genus, Tamias, or as three genera: Tamias, of which the eastern chipmunk ( T. Please keep your dog on a leash and do not allow your pets to chase any wildlife.Chipmunks are small, striped rodents of the family Sciuridae. While chipmunks are cute and approachable, they can bite. Most eastern chipmunks survive for about two years in the wild. Young will begin to survive on their own at eight weeks. After young are weaned, females move to a different burrow and leave young in their natal burrow until they disperse. ![]() The female gestation period is about 35 days. The babies are born blind and hairless in their underground burrows. Family LifeĬhipmunks can have two litters a year - one in spring and one in midsummer. They will even carry the soil they dig up away from the burrow, so the location stays hidden. While the entrance to their burrows may look small, the burrows can extend up to three feet underground.Ĭhipmunks are always concerned about predators, so they choose places to burrow near natural cover, like rocks or logs. Unlike their tree-dwelling cousins, chipmunks prefer to burrow underground. Foraging for their own food is healthier than accepting human food handouts.Ī chipmunk’s cheek pouch can actually stretch to be three times the size of its head! That’s very useful when they’re collecting food to store for the winter. They collect seeds, nuts, berries, and mushrooms to take back to their burrow. Chipmunks are perfectly capable of feeding themselves. DietĬhipmunks use their cheeks to help them store food. They prefer forested natural areas, as trees provide nuts and seeds and protection from predators, such as hawks. BehaviorĬhipmunks are most active during the daytime. They do not hibernate but stay mostly underground during the colder months.įoraging for food occurs mainly on the ground, but they can also climb. Their tails are shorter and usually much less fluffy than a squirrel's. Chipmunks are less than half that length, and weigh just 4 ounces - that's lighter than a baseball! Chipmunks also have black, brown, or white stripes that run along their back. ![]() Squirrels' bodies are typically 9-12 inches long (excluding their tail). While they are both members of the squirrel family, Sciuridae, chipmunks are a totally different species.Įastern chipmunk (left) and an eastern gray squirrel (right) Chipmunks are even occasionally mistaken for baby squirrels. People sometimes confuse eastern chipmunks with eastern gray squirrels. Although our eastern gray squirrels get most of the attention, eastern chipmunks are pretty common in our parks, too.Ĭhipmunks can be found scurrying along the ground looking for food - sometimes with their cheeks stuffed with seeds, nuts, and other snacks. As you explore our parks, keep your eyes peeled for these cute critters, especially in the fall when they gather food for winter.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |