Chipmunk

Chipmunk

Chipmunks are a small type of squirrel. They can be found living all over the world and are very common. They are omnivores, and eat nuts, berries, insects, and at times, young mice. Various assortments of food are carried back to the nest using handy cheek pouches.

There are two types of chipmunk, the larder hoarders and the scatter hoarders. Larder hoarders tend to stay in their nest all winter, while scatter hoarders go out in the winter to gather food, as they tend to eat a lot throughout the winter.

Chipmunks usually breed in early spring, and then again in early summer. They manage to produce 2 litters of about 5 young each year. The young are able to leave the burrow when they are about 6 weeks old and go out on their own independently at about 8 weeks.

While the chipmunk serves as prey for many hawks and owls, it is also a predator. It eats a lot of birds eggs when it is able to, and also eats a lot of weeds, making it easier for new plants to grow. It also eats harmful fungi that grow in the woods and pollutes air.