Eastern Chipmunk

Tamias striatus

The Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is a small, energetic rodent native to the deciduous forests of eastern North America. Recognizable by its distinctive reddish-brown fur, this species features five dark stripes running down its back and sides contrasted by lighter stripes, creating a striking pattern. With a compact body measuring 20 to 30 centimeters in length, including its bushy tail, the Eastern Chipmunk is adept at both climbing and digging.

Known for their cheek pouches, chipmunks can carry large quantities of food, typically nuts, seeds, and berries, which they often store in their extensive burrow networks for winter. These burrows serve as sheltered habitats with multiple chambers for nesting, food storage, and waste disposal. Eastern Chipmunks are diurnal creatures, most active during the early morning and late afternoon, showcasing a keen sense of hearing and sight.

Although solitary by nature, they exhibit social behaviors during the breeding seasons in early spring and late summer. With their lively demeanor and important role in seed dispersal, Eastern Chipmunks are a vital component of their woodland ecosystems.