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Eastern chipmunk distribution extends throughout south-eastern Canada and into the southern United States. This small rodent is most commonly found in woodland areas (preferably deciduous) with good sheltering underbrush, rocks, and fallen logs. Its name derives from the Algonquian ‘Adjidaumo’ (pronounced a-chit’-a-mauk) in reference to its habit of descending trees head first.

Eastern Chipmunk Description

The squirrel family’s smallest member, the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) has white under parts and overall russet colouring with grey, white, and black stripes on its back. Its dark eyes and rounded ears are outlined with distinctive white markings. The male and female, alike in markings and colour, measure about nine inches (22 cm) from tip of pointed nose to tip of short, flat, hairy tail.

Typically, the chipmunk sits upright while biting food that it holds in dexterous front paws. Using its sharp upper and lower incisors, the chipmunk removes seeds or nuts from pods or shells, and then stuffs them into cheek pouches which expand until they are almost the size of the animal’s head. When the pouches are full, the chipmunk deposits the contents in its burrow or a shallow hole that it covers over.


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