Mammals diurnal

Eastern Chipmunk

Tamias striatus

The Eastern Chipmunk is the charismatic 'stripey' of the North American backyard, a tireless worker famous for its bulging cheek pouches and lightning-fast sprints.

3 Sightings

1 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Total length of 8–11 inches (20–28 cm); Weight ranges from 2.5–5 ounces (70–140 g)

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Colors

Reddish-brown fur with five dark brown to black stripes on the back and sides, separated by cream or white stripes; white underbelly

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Key Features

Five dark longitudinal stripes on the back
White stripes above and below the eyes
Large, expandable cheek pouches
Hairy, slightly flattened tail held upright when running

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 8-11 AM and 3-6 PM

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Season March-November

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Diet Omnivorous; primarily feeds on seeds, nuts, berries, and mushrooms, but will also eat insects, worms, and occasionally bird eggs.

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Habitat Deciduous forests, forest edges, and suburban backyards with plenty of cover like stone walls or brush piles.

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Behavior

Eastern Chipmunks are energetic, solitary rodents known for their constant activity during the daylight hours. They are primary architects of the forest floor, constructing complex underground burrow systems that can exceed 10 feet in length. These burrows feature specific chambers for sleeping, nesting, and a massive 'larder' where they stockpile food for the winter months. While they are technically capable of climbing trees, they spend the vast majority of their time foraging on the ground, scurrying with a distinctive jerky motion.

These mammals are highly territorial and use a variety of vocalizations to defend their space, including a bird-like 'chip' or a lower-pitched 'chuck.' They are famous for their cheek pouches, which can expand to the size of their entire head, allowing them to transport large quantities of seeds and nuts back to their burrows. While they generally avoid direct contact with humans, they are quick to adapt to suburban environments and can become quite bold around bird feeders or outdoor seating areas.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of Eastern Chipmunks, you must think at their level. Place your camera very low to the ground—no more than 3 to 5 inches high. Mounting the camera on a small tripod or even a brick is often more effective than tree-mounting. Position the lens facing a 'high-traffic' area, such as the edge of a stone wall, a fallen log, or the base of a bird feeder where spilled seed accumulates. Because they are small and move incredibly fast, set your camera's PIR (passive infrared) sensor to the highest sensitivity to ensure the shutter triggers the moment they enter the frame.

Using a 'lure' is highly effective for chipmunks. A small pile of black oil sunflower seeds or unsalted peanuts placed exactly 3 to 5 feet in front of the lens will encourage them to pause and fill their cheek pouches, providing excellent close-up shots. If your camera has a 'burst mode,' enable it; chipmunks are twitchy, and taking 3-5 photos in quick succession increases your chances of getting a clear, blur-free image while they are stationary.

Autumn is the 'golden hour' for chipmunk photography. During September and October, their food-gathering instincts kick into overdrive as they prepare for winter torpor. They will visit the same spot dozens of times a day, often following the exact same path. If you notice a chipmunk disappearing under a specific rock or root, aim your camera at that entrance. For video, try to capture them during their vocalization bouts—often triggered by a nearby hawk or cat—as they will sit upright and 'chip' repeatedly for several minutes.

Lighting is a crucial factor since they are diurnal. Avoid placing the camera where it will face the direct midday sun, which can wash out the detail in their stripes. Instead, look for dappled light under a canopy or a spot that receives soft morning sun. If your camera supports it, a high shutter speed is your best friend to freeze their rapid movements. Lastly, remember that they spend most of the winter underground in a state of torpor, so focus your efforts during the spring through late fall for the best results.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Eastern Chipmunk.

Least Chipmunk

Smaller with stripes that extend all the way down the back to the base of the tail.

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

Lacks the facial stripes of a chipmunk and has a more elongated body with rows of spots between its stripes.

Red Squirrel

Larger, lacks facial and back stripes, and spends significantly more time in the trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eastern Chipmunks are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They typically have two peaks of high activity: one in the mid-morning and another in the late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the midday sun.

You can attract them by providing food sources like bird feeders with sunflower seeds and creating 'corridors' for them to travel through, such as stone walls, woodpiles, or dense shrubbery where they feel safe from predators.

Their diet is highly varied, including acorns, hickory nuts, sunflower seeds, berries, and various fungi. They also supplement this with protein from insects, snails, and occasionally small frogs or bird eggs.

Yes, they are extremely common in suburbs. They thrive in the 'edge' habitats created by residential landscaping, especially where gardens provide ample food and ornamental rocks provide burrowing sites.

The Eastern Chipmunk is significantly larger and its facial and dorsal stripes do not extend all the way to the base of the tail, whereas the Least Chipmunk's stripes continue to the rump.

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