It is also important as a seed disperser. Attractive, protective display case "B" is also available - please see Related Products below.  #R-19093 During the winter, the chipmunk may enter long periods of torpor, but does not truly hibernate. Chipmunks vary in size and colour depending on species. There are five dark and two white or buff stripes that run the length (5.5 to 6.5inches) of their reddish-gray and brown bodies to the rump where an obvious red patch is located. The name "chipmunk" comes from the Ojibwe word ajidamoo (or possibly ajidamoonh, the same word in the Ottawa dialect of Ojibwe), which translates literally as "one who descends trees headlong." Eastern chipmunks. Eastern chipmunks.jpg. The eastern chipmunk is large (up to 125 g) with a relatively short tail (about one-third of the total length from its nose to the tip of its tail), whereas western chipmunks are smaller (about 55 g) with a relatively longer tail (nearly half the total length from its nose to the tip of its tail). the tail. Chipmunk Cartoon Transparent PNG Download now for free this Chipmunk Cartoon transparent PNG image with no background. Some squirrels do have stripes, but chipmunks have five dark stripes and several white ones, some of which stretch onto the head. These can be a few … Cheek pouches can stretch as it will awaken to dig into its hidden supply of nuts and seeds, stored during the summer and fall. [11] Compared to the other subspecies of eastern chipmunk present in nearby in Michigan and Wisconsin, they have brighter patches behind their ears, grayer hair along their backs, and more white on their tails. These include: As compared to other chipmunks, the Eastern chipmunks possess fewer grinding teeth. The Eastern chipmunk is a mainly terrestrial animal, distinguished by 5 dark stripes, stretching along its back, from shoulders to rump, and alternating with 4 light colored stripes. Due to the distinctive striped pattern of its pelt, the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), is an easily identified squirrel (Sciuridae). The preserve's primary goals are to protect native plant and animal communities, as well as to uphold the campus's signature natural landscapes, all while providing an educational facility for the university. Instead, they regularly wake up from hibernation, occasionally leaving the burrow if it's warm enough. After mating, the female chipmunk outfits a central nesting chamber deep within the ground with leaves. Eastern chipmunks are highly territorial, particularly defending areas around their burrows. [5] The two breeding seasons are from February to April and from June to August. "[3], A small species, it reaches about 30 cm (12 in) in length including the tail, and a weight of 66–150 g (2.3–5.3 oz). The chipmunk is a fun to watch as it scampers about, however, if it moves into a house, it can cause considerable damage. A chipmunk’s head is blunt with rounded, erect ears. State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Some chipmunk species, such as the yellow-pine chipmunk and the long-eared chipmunk, show slightly different behavior during mating seasons. Eastern chipmunks are polygynous, which means that one male mates with multiple females. & Ellis, A. Chipmunks are the smallest members of the squirrel family, according to National Geographic. During the breeding season, females remain within their territories, while males come to mate, travelling 170 meters on average from their burrows to the mating sites. [8], The subspecies Tamias striatus doorsiensis was described in 1971. Eastern Chipmunks breed twice a year, typically in March/April and in June/July. It has two white stripes bordered by black on its sides and one black stripe on the center of its back. Extreme suppression of aboveground activity by a food-storing hibernator, the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), Canadian Journal of Zoology, 10.1139/Z08-008, 86, 5, (364-370), (2008). After a while, young disperse, becoming independent at about 2 months old. A typical burrow of this animal is composed of numerous entrances as well as tunnels, which are connected between each other. This brightly colored, conspicuously patterned rodent averages 243 mm (9.6 in) in length. Gestation period lasts for 35 days, yielding a litter of 2 - 5 young, typically in an underground nest. size: under 1 inch; 4 front toes; 5 back toes; claws don't always show; Eastern chipmunks have 4 front and 5 back toes. It is the only living member of the chipmunk subgenus Tamias, sometimes recognized as a separate genus. Bowers, M. A. They are blind and lack fur. Department of Environmental Sciences and Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Chipmunk Description. [7], Predators of the eastern chipmunk include hawks, owls, foxes, raccoons, snakes, weasels, coyotes, bobcats, lynx, domestic dogs and domestic cats. Their front feet are roughly 1/2 inch wide and long, but can be a bit larger. Physical Description . The tail is well haired but not bushy, is somewhat flattened, and is shorter than the body. The duration of torpor depends on populations and individuals. Females usually continue living close to the area, where they have been raised, whereas males disperse farther. Diplômes (2005) Postdoctorat (Post-doctorat en Écologie Évolutive). These animals have been known to live at least 2-3 years in the wild . Eastern chipmunks emit three types of chipmunk alarm callsin the presence of predators. General Chipmunk Facts. Eastern chipmunks emit three types of chipmunk alarm calls in the presence of predators. In Maryland, eastern chipmunks can be found west of the Chesapeake, … Eastern Chipmunks have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and 6-8 years in captivity. In the case of the yellow-pine chipmunk, a pregnant female will make nests in trees. They are found in The Nearctic. Some chipmunks may be dormant throughout the winter, whereas others display more activity. There is no difference in appearance between males and females. 2002). Tamias striatus) Neotamias (mostly western chipmunks - 23 existing species) Eutamias (Siberian chipmunk - sp. Winter torpor (hibernation) is infrequent in the southern part of the species' range. 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