Tamias striatus
Table of Contents

Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia |
Phylum: Chordata |
Class: Mammalia |
Order: Rodentia |
Family: Sciuridae |
Genus: Tamias |
Species: Tamias striatus |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Eastern chipmunks are between 5-6" in length and have a redish-brown back with white bellies. They have white stripes edged in black along their sides and down their back. The stripes do not reach the base of the tail.
Their hind tracks are under 2" with 5 toes and their front tracks have 4 toes. Teir burrow openings are near woods and are 2" wide.
They can be identified by their sharp chip or chuck-chuck-chuck sound.
Habitat & Range
Eastern chipmunks live near woods and shrubland in the eastern half of the United States. Their range extends into the Southeastern borders of Canada.
Behavior
Eastern Chpmunks are primarily solitary and are active during the day. They eat a variety of seeds, nuts, bulbs, fruit, insects, and eggs.
Life Cycle
These chipmunks mate during early spring and again in summer and give birth to small litters of around 4 young.
Featured image by James Dake.