Chipmunks are a common sight across California, inhabiting diverse environments from high mountain forests to arid desert edges. These small, striped rodents are a recognizable part of the state’s wildlife, often observed foraging on the ground or darting between cover. Their widespread distribution means many Californians encounter these active creatures.
California’s Chipmunk Species
California is home to a variety of chipmunk species. The Lodgepole Chipmunk ( Neotamias speciosus ) has prominent white dorsal and facial stripes, with central dorsal stripes being less distinct. Females are slightly larger than males, weighing around 55-69 grams.
Merriam’s Chipmunk ( Neotamias merriami ) is grayish-brown with dark stripes of equal width on its back, a white belly, and cheeks. Its tail is notably long and bushy, often exceeding 80% of its head and body length.
The Yellow-pine Chipmunk ( Neotamias amoenus ) features a reddish-brown body with five dark longitudinal stripes separated by four lighter, creamy white stripes. This species is generally smaller, with females averaging 53.5 grams.
The Least Chipmunk ( Neotamias minimus ) is the smallest and most widespread chipmunk in North America, characterized by a narrow yet bushy tail and fur that brightens in summer. The Sonoma Chipmunk ( Neotamias sonomae ), endemic to northwestern California, has a long, narrow skull.
Habitats Across the State
Chipmunks in California occupy a broad spectrum of habitats. The Lodgepole Chipmunk thrives in subalpine coniferous forests, particularly those with lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine, and mixed conifer trees, typically at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,300 meters (4,900 to 9,800 ft) in areas like the Sierra Nevada and southern California mountains.
Merriam’s Chipmunk is found throughout central and southern California, including the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, preferring chaparral, oak, and pine forests, especially those with dense understory brush. It typically inhabits elevations below 2,700 meters (8,858 ft).
The Yellow-pine Chipmunk inhabits coniferous and mixed coniferous forests, as well as brush-covered areas, from the central Sierra Nevada north to the Cascade Ranges and Modoc Plateau. They are found at altitudes from approximately 975 meters (3,200 ft) up to timberline at about 2,900 meters (9,515 ft).
The Least Chipmunk, the most widespread species, is common east of the Sierra Nevada crest in sagebrush and Great Basin shrub habitats, and also occurs in pinyon-juniper woodlands and alpine dwarf-shrub areas. Sonoma Chipmunks are restricted to northwestern California, where they prefer coniferous forests, including redwood and Douglas fir stands, and chaparral, living from sea level up to 1,800 meters.
Distinguishing Chipmunks from Squirrels
Distinguishing chipmunks from other squirrel species in California involves key physical and behavioral differences. Chipmunks are generally smaller than most squirrels, typically ranging from 6 to 12 inches in length, while tree squirrels can be 12 to 20 inches long and ground squirrels range from 8 to 12 inches.
A defining characteristic of chipmunks is their distinct stripe patterns that extend across their head, face, and body. In contrast, ground squirrels may have stripes on their bodies but usually lack stripes on their heads, and tree squirrels typically have no stripes. Chipmunks also possess shorter, less bushy tails compared to the prominent, fluffy tails of tree squirrels.
Behaviorally, chipmunks are primarily ground-dwelling animals that construct intricate burrow systems, although they are capable climbers and will ascend trees for food or safety. They are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to carry and store food in their burrows. Tree squirrels are largely arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, while ground squirrels live in burrows but often prefer more open, grassy areas.