Fauna Flora Photography

Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus

Solitary living rodent, similar in appearance to squirrels. It climbs well but constructs its well hidden nests underground. Eating seeds, fruits, nuts, green plants, mushrooms, insects, worms, and bird eggs. Native to Eastern North America.

Specs

Length17-20cm
Weight100-130g

Common Names

GermanStreifen-Backenhörnchen
EnglishEastern Chipmunk
FrenchTamia rayé
SpanishArdilla listada del Este americano

Taxonomy

OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae
SpeciesTamias striatus

How to Identify

The stripes along the back are a distinctive characteristics of this species.

Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) - Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies - 2022-04-15
Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) - Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies - 2017-05-13

Where and When to Spot

Although common, this species is difficult to spot. They move fast and hide when you are approaching. Best time of the year to spot is during summer.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal x - - -
Parc Michel-Chartrand x - - x
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies x - - -
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - x - -

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.

Last updated on 2024-03-14. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.