Chipmunk

Chipmunk Appearance

Chipmunks are a common rodent found in Madison, Wisconsin. They are small rodents that have rusty brown fur with 9 black stripes on their back and sides. They are about 7-9 inches long, including a 4-inch long bushy tail. They weigh between 1-5 ounces. They have large, glossy eyes, small ears, and a short, pointed nose. They also have pouches in their cheeks in which they store food when foraging.

Chipmunk Lifecycle

Chipmunks breed in April or early May, a week or two after emerging from hibernation and again during mid-summer (July). They are polygynous and solitary, meaning that one male will mate with multiple females. The female chipmunk has a gestation period of 30 days and gives birth to a litter of 4-5 pups on average. The pups are born hairless and blind. By 8 days of age, the pups have discernable hair and stripes. At 30 days, their eyes have opened, and they are completely covered with fur. Sexual maturity occurs by the time they reach one year of age. The average lifespan of chipmunks is three years.

Chipmunk Habitat

Chipmunks prefer habitats with bushes, logs, and soft soil for burrowing. They can be found in woodlands, fields, or suburban areas. They make expansive burrows that can extend up to 20 feet in length and have a living quarters, a latrine, and a debris area. They also use rock walls, outbuildings, brush piles, and foliage as protection from predators. As rural areas are being developed, their habitats are shrinking, and they are adapting to living in suburban areas.

Chipmunk Diet

Chipmunks eat seeds, nuts, berries, insects, bird eggs, and fungi. They are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They often visit bird feeders, nut producing trees, gardens, or crops to find food. They sit on their haunches with their hands in their mouth while feeding. They hardly ever drink water or other liquids and depend on the food that they eat to contain water for hydration.

Chipmunk Behavior

Chipmunks are active during the day and spend most of their time foraging or sunbathing near their burrows. They are territorial and will defend their burrows from intruders. They communicate with each other using high-pitched squeaks or low-pitched grunts. They also touch noses or lips in greeting, so it looks as if they kiss each other.

Chipmunks hibernate from October to March or April in underground chambers lined with grasses and fur. They sleep for an average of about 15 hours a day.

Chipmunk Benefits and Problems

Chipmunks can be beneficial for the environment as they disperse seeds, control insect pests, and provide food for other animals such as hawks, foxes, or snakes. However, they can also cause problems for homeowners as they damage lawns, gardens, or crops with their burrows and feeding habits. Chipmunks can also expose plant roots and create tripping hazards with their uneven surfaces.

Chipmunk Control

If you have a chipmunk problem in your property, you may want to contact a professional pest control company like Kwik Kill Pest Control. We have the experience and expertise to deal with chipmunks quickly and effectively. We use a baiting method to remove chipmunks from your property.

Don’t let chipmunks ruin your landscape or garden. Call Kwik Kill Pest Control today and let us take care of your chipmunk problem once and for all!

Kwik Kill Services to Control Ground Squirrels

Additional Resources

https://wildlifedamage.cals.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/289/2021/01/Chipmunk-GroundSquirrel.pdf
https://extension.psu.edu/chipmunks
https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/ADM-2.pdf