Chipmunks
Tamias
Appearance
- 8–11.5" long, plus bushy 3–4" tail.
- Color varies from gray to reddish-brown depending on species.
- Have light and dark stripes across the sides of their face, back and tail.
- Podgy cheeks for carrying food.
Lifecycle
- Start to mate early Spring.
- Female produces a litter of 2-8 young.
- Stay with their parents for 2 months then leave to forage on their own.
- After five months the young will mature to adult size.
- They lie dormant during Winter.
- Live for 2 to 3 years in the wild.
Habits
- Feeding - Grain, nuts, birds' eggs, berries, fungi, insects.
- Chipmunks are active burrow dwellers and store food underground.
- Location - Live in burrows below ground level. Entrances are well hidden, under rocks or in bushes.