The eastern chipmunk is a small, striped ground squirrel found across eastern North America. Energetic and bold, it is a familiar sight in woods, parks and gardens.
Interesting facts
- Chipmunks dig burrows up to several metres long, with separate chambers for food and nesting.
- In winter they enter periods of torpor, waking to eat from their food stores.
- They make a loud ‘chip-chip’ alarm call.
- Five dark stripes run down their backs.
- A single chipmunk can gather over 100 acorns in a day.
- They help spread seeds and fungi through the forest.
Behaviour
Chipmunks are active by day, gathering and storing food in their burrows. They are mostly solitary and defend the area around their burrows.
Breeding and young
Females have one or two litters a year of about three to five young, born in the burrow. The young emerge after about six weeks.
Threats and conservation
The species is common. Chipmunks are eaten by hawks, foxes, snakes and domestic cats.
Where to see it
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks
- Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
- Gardens and parks across eastern North America
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
