Chipmunk

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Chipmunk, diminutive member of the SQUIRREL family belonging to genus Tamias. Five are found in Canada, from the Maritimes to parts of BC, southern YT and southern NWT: eastern chipmunk (T. striatus), least (T. minimus), yellow pine (T. amoenus), Townsend's (T. townsendii) and red-tailed chipmunks (T. ruficaudus).

Description

The largest is the eastern chipmunk weighing about 100 g. It is restricted to east of Saskatchewan. The other species are smaller - ranging from 35 g for least chipmunk to 85 g for Townsend's chipmunk. Alert, sprightly animals, chipmunks run with tails erect. All have 5 dark stripes down the back; eastern chipmunks also have 2 lateral stripes on each side ending at the rump.

Diet

Chipmunks hibernate in subterranean nests, feeding on stored foodstuffs during frequent arousals. Chipmunks are omnivorous, eating seeds, nuts, INVERTEBRATES and occasionally small eggs.

Reproduction and Development

Most species of chipmunks bear one litter (5-6 young) each summer; eastern chipmunks, 2 (3-4 young).They are too scarce to be economically significant, but being diurnal, attractive and almost constantly busy, they afford pleasure to all who watch them.
Chipmunk, Eastern
Chipmunk, Eastern
Being diurnal, attractive and almost constantly busy, chipmunks afford pleasure to all who watch them (artwork by Claire Tremblay).
Chipmunk Habitat
Chipmunk Habitat
Chipmunks hibernate in subterranean nests, feeding on stored foodstuffs during frequent arousals (artwork by Jan Sovak, 1989).
Yellow-pine & Eastern Chipmunk Distribution
Yellow-pine & Eastern Chipmunk Distribution
Townsend's & Red-tailed Chipmunk Distribution
Townsend's & Red-tailed Chipmunk Distribution
Least Chipmunk Distribution
Least Chipmunk Distribution

Author W.A. FULLER


Links to Other Sites
Chipmunk
A description of the natural history of chipmunks from the "Hinterland Who's Who" website.

Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.

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