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10 Fun Facts About Chipmunks

The chipmunks emerge as delightful and endearing creatures, capturing the hearts of onlookers with their undeniable cuteness. Belonging to the Sciuridae family of rodents, these pint-sized bundles of energy are as fascinating as they are adorable.

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From its name to its characteristics, the chipmunk is an interesting creature. With remarkable agility and speed, they scurry through the dappled undergrowth of woodlands and gardens, leaving trails of curiosity and amusement in their wake.

However, beyond their undeniable charm, chipmunks boast a treasure trove of intriguing and fun facts which is what this article will look to highlight. Enjoy!

1. Chipmunks Are the Smallest Member of The Squirrel Family

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While evidently different and much more appealing in comparison to the squirrels, chipmunks are squirrels too. This is because, like squirrels, chipmunks are members of the squirrel family called Sciuridae.

They are the smallest member of this family which also includes prairie dogs, woodchucks, and marmots. Under this family, the chipmunk is known as the pygmy squirrel (Exilisciurus).

They weigh roughly 10 to 30 grams and measure only 5 to 7 inches in length, including their tail.

2. The Name Chipmunk Has Ojibwe Origins

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The word “chipmunk” is believed to have originated from the Ojibwa language. The Ojibwa language is primarily used by the Ojibwe people who are indigenous to North America.

The traditional territories of the Ojibwe people are centered around the Great Lakes region. This region spans parts of the US (including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, and Montana) and Canada (particularly Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan).

Read some 30 facts about Minnesota here!

In Ojibwa, the term “ajidamoo” or “ajidamoon” refers to the striped ground squirrel, which bears a resemblance to the chipmunk we know today. Over time, the word evolved and was Anglicized into “chipmunk.”

Other iterations of the word include chitmunk, chipminck, chipmonk, chipmuck, and chipmuk.

3. Chipmunks Are Extremely Introverted Creatures

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Chipmunks are inherently introverted creatures, preferring solitary lives for most of their lives. This behavior stems from their natural survival instincts, as being solitary helps them minimize potential threats and competition for resources.

Chipmunks are also extremely territorial and will guard and protect their established territories efficiently from other chipmunks. However, these territories are not very large. They build separate burrows and spend most of their time alone.

Chipmunks do, however, exhibit some social behavior during the mating season which is usually in spring.

4. They Have Specific Calls for Specific Situations and Predators

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Chipmunks, like many other animals, possess a remarkable ability to communicate through various calls. However, chipmunks are special in that they have designated calls more so for warnings.

When chipmunks detect a potential threat, such as a nearby predator, they emit high-pitched alarm calls, alerting fellow chipmunks and nearby creatures to the danger. How is this different from the warning call of any other creature?

Well, these chipmunk calls not only signal the presence of a predator but also convey important information about the predator’s type or proximity.

Here are some facts about a predator, the Mountain Lion!

5. Chipmunks Undergo a Special Kind of Hibernation

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Chipmunks, much like bears, also undergo hibernation. They typically hibernate from late fall to early spring, and it will last for several months depending on their geographical location.

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However, a chipmunk’s hibernation process differs significantly from that of a bear or other creatures for that matter. While bears enter a deep, prolonged hibernation, chipmunks experience a lighter form of hibernation called torpor.

Torpor is a state of reduced metabolic activity and lowered body temperature, allowing chipmunks to conserve energy during harsh winter months. With torpor, the chipmunk will frequently wake up every few days from hibernation to eat its cached food supply.

6. Their Stripes Are an Adaptation

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The distinct dark and light stripes on their backs and sides are a remarkable adaptation that serves as camouflage. These stripes allow chipmunks to blend in with their woodland surroundings, making them less visible to predators.

According to scientific studies, these stripes are brought about by a pigment-suppressing gene. Several other rodents, such as certain species of ground squirrels and prairie dogs, exhibit similar adaptations with variations in stripe patterns.

This trait is shared by several species perhaps due to convergent evolution. This is when different organisms evolve with similar traits.

7. Their Cheeks Can Stretch Up To 3X Their Head Size

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One of the most impressive and adorable features of chipmunks is their cheeks. A chipmunk’s cheeks have a specialized anatomical feature called cheek pouches which allow them to stretch remarkably.

These expandable pouches are located on either side of their mouth and can stretch to an impressive extent, allowing chipmunks to store food in large quantities. Thanks to these pouches, the cheeks can expand to nearly three times the size of the chipmunk’s head.

This gives them the ability to carry an ample food supply back to their burrows or nests. This is a very helpful feature and as an added advantage they look very cute with full cheeks.

8. Mostly Found in North America

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There are 25 recognized chipmunk species, most of which are commonly found throughout North America. These small, striped rodents thrive in woodlands, forests, gardens, and even suburban areas.

The most populous and common species of chipmunks are the Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) and the least chipmunk (Tamias minimus). However, there are two outliers.

The Siberian chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus), is native to parts of Asia and more so Russia, and the Uinta chipmunk (Tamias umbrinus), is primarily found in the western United States.

Here are some of the best facts about North America!

9. It Is Illegal to Own a Chipmunk in Some Places

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Laws regarding pet ownership vary by region, but in many places, keeping chipmunks as pets is illegal. For example, in the United States, the federal government, as well as many states, have regulations against keeping native wildlife like chipmunks as pets.

It is legal to own one in states such as Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In some areas, such as Oregon, ownership of Chipmunks is permitted with proper permits and licenses.

States such as Arizona, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, on the other hand, claim it is illegal to own one. Outside the US, in Europe, the Siberian chipmunk has been labeled as an invasive species due to it harboring ticks and carrying Lyme disease.

10. Sleep for Up To 15 Hours Per Day

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Chipmunks are known for their energetic behavior and constant search for food. However, this hyperactive nature does take its toll and they therefore need to recharge.

Therefore, a chipmunk will sleep for approximately 15 hours per day. While this may seem excessive, it is absolutely necessary for maintaining their high metabolic rate and sustaining their energy levels.

In conclusion, from their agile acrobatics to their delightful antics, chipmunks have enchanted us with their boundless energy and endearing habits. Above are some fun facts about these creatures giving you some unknown facts beyond their cuteness.