Chipmunks

Chipmunks are small squirrel-like rodents typically known for the stripes on their backs. Technically, chipmunks are described as "a burrowing ground squirrel of western America and Asia; has cheek pouches and a light and dark stripe running down the body."http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=chipmunk This is a significant difference between non-ground squirrels and chipmunks, because other than ground squirrels, they nest off the ground, not in burrows,

There are about 17 different species of chipmunks. Chipmunks hibernate during the cold winter months. These small mammals have a life span of about 2 to 3 years in the wild.http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/chipmunks.html

Burrows: Many chipmunks dig extensive burrows which can be over 11 ft (3.5 m) long. These burrows often have more than one entrance and have extra chambers in which chipmunks store their extensive winter food. Some chipmunks make nests in logs or in bushes.

Anatomy: Chipmunks are only about 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long; their long, bushy tail is from 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long. They weigh roughly 1 to 5 ounces (28 to 142 gm). Chipmunks have gray-brown fur, with dark and light stripes along the back and with a light-colored belly. The eyes are surrounded by white fur, and there are dark brown stripes on the face (the markings vary among the various chipmunk species). Chipmunks have cheek pouches in which they carry food to store in their burrows.http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/rodent/Chipmunkprintout.shtml

Offspring:Baby chipmunks stay underground in their burrow for six to eight weeks, while the mother cares for them.http://www.will-harris.com/chiplife.htm

Popularity: The Disney characters Chip and Dale are chipmunks, and helped the little creature become beloved by many.

• Rural System: Species-Specific Management: Eastern Chipmunk