The familiar sight of a small, striped rodent often raises questions about its identity. These creatures are frequently mistaken for small squirrels, but their distinct appearance and behavior set them apart. The answer to whether these quick-moving, ground-dwelling animals reside in Georgia is a definitive yes. Learning about the specific species found in the region helps in understanding where they live and how to identify them.
The Eastern Chipmunk in Georgia
The species present in Georgia is the Eastern Chipmunk, scientifically named Tamias striatus. This small mammal is the only chipmunk species found in the eastern half of the continent, distinguishing it from the many species located in the western United States. Its scientific name, Tamias striatus, translates to “striped steward with cheek pouches,” accurately describing its appearance and habit of hoarding food. The Eastern Chipmunk is widely distributed and is not considered a threatened species.
Where Chipmunks Are Found in the State
The distribution of the Eastern Chipmunk is not uniform across Georgia. Their population is concentrated heavily in the northern mountainous regions and the Piedmont, tied to their need for mature deciduous and mixed hardwood forests. These habitats provide the necessary cover and food sources.
They are generally absent from the lower Coastal Plain and the deep southern regions. Sightings are common in areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains and the upper Appalachian foothills, but rare closer to the coast or in swampy environments.
Distinguishing Chipmunks from Other Georgia Squirrels
Chipmunks are frequently confused with other small, striped ground squirrels. The Eastern Chipmunk is relatively small, typically measuring five to six inches in body length, plus a three to four-inch hairy tail. They weigh only about three ounces, making them noticeably smaller than tree squirrels.
The most distinctive characteristic is the pattern of five blackish longitudinal stripes running down the back and sides, separated by two tan or whitish stripes. These stripes end at the reddish-brown rump. The Eastern Chipmunk also has stripes on its face, with light stripes above and below the eyes. When moving, they hold their tail upright, which differs from ground squirrels that carry their tails horizontally.
Typical Chipmunk Behavior and Habitat
Eastern Chipmunks are diurnal, with peak foraging periods occurring in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. They spend the majority of their time on the ground, though they are capable climbers. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, and mushrooms, but they also consume insects and bird eggs.
They use large cheek pouches to transport gathered food back to their underground burrow systems. These burrows are extensive, often without a visible mound of excavated dirt at the two-inch wide entrance, as the chipmunk carries the soil away. During the winter, the chipmunk does not undergo true hibernation but enters periods of torpor, waking up regularly to feed on its cached food stores.