Eastern Chipmunk

Tamias striatus, the Eastern chipmunk, is a small, striped ground squirrel native to eastern North America. Adults average 20-28 cm in length, including a moderately bushy tail, and weigh 60-120g. They are distinguished by five dark brown stripes alternating with two light brown stripes on their back, extending to the head, and two light stripes above and below each eye. Chipmunks are diurnal and semi-fossorial. They mate in early spring and again in mid-summer, producing litters of 2-5 young after a gestation period of about 31 days. Young are weaned by 6-8 weeks. Lifespan is generally 2-3 years in the wild. They enter torpor or hibernation during the coldest months, waking periodically to feed from their caches.

Eastern chipmunks are voracious foragers, collecting and storing large quantities of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and insects in extensive subterranean burrow systems. Their prominent cheek pouches allow them to carry multiple food items back to their burrows. They are generally solitary and territorial around their burrow entrances. Vocalizations include characteristic 'chip' and 'chuck' calls, often signaling alarm. While primarily ground dwellers, they are adept climbers. In human environments, their burrowing activity can undermine foundations, patios, and retaining walls. Their foraging in gardens can be destructive, and they may enter structures seeking food or shelter.