

As breeding season arrives, males leave their homes to seek females for breeding.

They store food in their cheek pouches and carry it back to their nest for storage. During the day, they forage throughout the forest, both on the ground and up in the trees. Behavior of the ChipmunkĪcross the various species, a single individual lives a solitary life in an underground burrow. Zookeepers feed them a commercially produced rodent food, in addition to a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds. They do not need to live in groups, as they are solitary creatures. They prefer having multiple hiding places, plenty of climbing opportunities, and a variety of vegetation to explore. In zoos, these creatures require relatively small habitats with an opportunity for them to dig and burrow. If you find a young or injured Chipmunk you should bring it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for care. Yes, they are small and adorable, but they are wild animals. Humans have not domesticated these little ground squirrels in any way. Those with declining populations usually suffer due to habitat destruction, primarily deforestation. Most species do not face direct threat from human interaction, but certain subspecies and population in specific regions suffer decline. The IUCN lists many species as Least Concern. Human interaction varies based on the species. Some food they eat when they return to their nest, others they store within the nest for later consumption. They take surplus food and store it in their cheek pouches. Their diets typically contain seeds, berries, nuts, fruits, fungi, insects, worms, slugs, and even eggs. However, most of the animal portion of their diet consists of insects and other invertebrates. This means that they feed on both plant and animal matter. Diet of the ChipmunkĪll of the various species have omnivorous diets. Humans have also introduced some species outside of their natural range as well. The Siberian species inhabits vast regions of northern Asia.Īs for the rest of the species, they live throughout Canada, the United States, and some species range into Mexico. The various species live primarily in North America, with the exception of the Siberian species. You can find them in parks, gardens, suburbs, farms, and more. For example, the Siberian species utilizes both forest and taiga habitat, while the eastern species lives in coniferous forests and also ranges into suburban areas.Īs you saw with the eastern species, sometimes these rodents utilize more urban areas. However, each species has its own unique preferences. These rodents occupy a number of different habitats, though their primary choice is forest. It lives throughout much of Canada and the western United States.
