Eastern chipmunks are members of the rodent family and closely related to squirrels and groundhogs. They are fast and agile. Although they can climb trees, they spend most of their time on the forest floor and in their burrows.
| Appearance | Chipmunks have reddish-brown fur along their backs, with black and cream-colored stripes on their sides. They have white fur along their bellies. |
| Length | about 8 to 10 inches in length including a 3 to 4 inch tail |
| Weight | about 2.5 to 4 ounces |
| Habitat | Chipmunks prefer open woods with lots of logs and stumps. They also live around rocky ledges, stone walls, and brushy areas. |
| Food | Berries, corn, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, bird eggs, earthworms, frogs, insects, salamanders, small snakes, snails, and mice |
| Predators | Bobcats, house cats, hawks, foxes, minks, owls, raccoons, snakes, and weasels |
| Location in Pennsylvania | Statewide |
| Extra facts | Chipmunks are related to groundhogs because they are known as true hibernators. Chipmunks have large cheeks in their mouths that they use to transport food for storing. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. |
For more information about chipmunks, check out the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s wildlife notes.