(c) Can Stock Photo/Oralleff

Chipmunk
Eutamias minimus

Description - The color of this animal varies from muted yellowish-grey above with tan dark stripes to brownish-grey with black side stripes. The striped continue to the base of the tail; the sides are generally an orange-brown; the belly greyish-white. The tail is long and light brown above, yellowish below with long, black-tipped hairs. Average weight is 1-3 ounces.

Distribution - This is the most widely occurring species in Canada. It prefers sagebrush deserts, pastures, piney woods, rocky cliffs, and open coniferous forests.

Biology - A litter of 5-7 young are born in May in a nest either underground or in a tree. Main foods include acorns, seeds, fruits, berries and grasses and to a lesser extent fungi invertebrates and small vertebrates. The chipmunk is vulnerable to every carnivore from the weasel to the grizzly bear. Its call is distinctive and is recognized by a series of high-pitched chipping notes.