chipmunk
Sign in to saveChipmunks are small, striped squirrels of subtribe Tamiina. Chipmunks are found in North America, with the exception of the Siberian chipmunk, which is found primarily in Asia. The name "chipmunk" originated in the 19th century, and other names for this group of squirrels include chitmunk, chipmuck, chipping squirrel, and ground squirrel, though the last name can refer to squirrels of other genera.
Article
8 sectionsContents
- Taxonomy and systematics
- Diet
- Ecology and life history
- Genera
- In popular culture
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Chipmunks are small, striped squirrels of subtribe Tamiina. Chipmunks are found in North America, with the exception of the Siberian chipmunk, which is found primarily in Asia. The name "chipmunk" originated in the 19th century, and other names for this group of squirrels include chitmunk, chipmuck, chipping squirrel, and ground squirrel, though the last name can refer to squirrels of other genera.
Chipmunks are omnivorous animals, and have diets that primarily include seeds, nuts, fruits and buds but may extend to include other plant matter, fungi, insects, small frogs, worms, bird eggs and nestlings. Their varied diet allows them to feed on plants such as grains and vegetables grown by humans, which has led them to be considered pests in some areas. Many species of chipmunk will commonly carry food items in their cheek pouches back to their burrows to eat or store for winter, and this seed storing behavior contributes to the dispersal and establishment of seedlings and fungi in forests.