Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus
Identification
This small rodent has reddish fur with dark stripes on its back. It has expandable cheek pouches.
Location
Common statewide
Size
2 to 5 ounces
Diet
It feeds on seeds nuts fruits and insects.
Habitat
It occurs in forests and suburban areas.
Activity Period
March to December
Behavior
It is diurnal and stores food in underground burrows. It is active from spring through late autumn.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and summer.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has long been common in Ohio.
Human Interactions
It often interacts with humans in parks.
Facts
It produces a distinctive chip call.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Seeds nuts fruits insects | Forests suburbs parks | Statewide