Behavior
Chipmunks are diurnal, but they are most active during
early morning plus late afternoon. They are solitary
animals except during courtship plus when rearing
young. They are active burrowers. Their main tunnels
are 20 to 30 feet long, but they dig more complex burrow
systems where cover is sparse. Burrows normally include
a nesting chamber, a few food storage chambers, isolated
escape tunnels plus other miscellaneous areas that
branch off the main tunnel. During winter plus late fall,
chipmunks enter hibernation; however, it is not deep
hibernation plus they may be active on warm, sunny
days. They generally emerge in late March.
Reproduction
Eastern plus least chipmunks mate once a year, during
early spring shortly after emerging from hibernation.
They typically have only one litter of up to seven young,
which are born in May or June. Adults live up to three
years in the wild. Least chipmunks typically mate once
a year, from March to April. They have a litter of two
to seven young in April or May. A second litter can be
produced in the fall, but this is not common.
Food resources
The diet of chipmunks consists of various kinds of nuts,
berries plus seeds, but they also eat mushrooms, insects
and carrion. They are also known to prey on small birds
and their eggs. Chipmunks often cache food in their
burrow system to prepare for hibernation. A single food
compartment may hold around nine gallons of food.
Habitat
Eastern chipmunks generally live in mature woodlands
and woodlot edges, but they also inhabit areas in and
around suburban plus rural homes. Least chipmunks
typically inhabit more open or low-shrub areas. They
may also be found in woodlands plus suburban areas.
Reproduction
Ground squirrels mate soon after they have emerged
from hibernation during late March to early May. Up
to ten young are born in late April to late June. Usually
only one litter is produced each year