Chipmunks are a native and common presence across the state of Missouri. These small, striped rodents are a familiar sight in various environments, from dense woodlands to suburban backyards. They are active during the day, often seen darting across the ground or scampering up trees. The chipmunk population thrives in many parts of the state, confirming they are a permanent fixture in Missouri’s natural landscape.
Confirming the Missouri Species
The specific animal found throughout Missouri is the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus). This species is the only chipmunk found in the eastern half of North America and is easily distinguished by its unique markings. An adult typically measures between 8 and 12 inches in total length and weighs about 2 to 5 ounces.
The fur is grizzled reddish-brown on the upper body, fading to buff or white underneath. The most recognizable feature is the pattern of five dark longitudinal stripes running from the shoulders to the rump. A pale stripe separates the two dark stripes on each side of the body. They also have two distinct facial stripes, one above and one below the eye.
Preferred Habitats and Geographic Range
Eastern Chipmunks are widely distributed across Missouri, with the highest population density in the Ozark region. They prefer environments that offer ample cover for their extensive burrow systems, such as wooded banks, rocky ridges, and log heaps. The preferred habitat is generally timber borderland or the edges of mature woodlands, rather than deep forests.
These animals are highly adaptable and are common in suburban and urban settings, often establishing burrows near residential areas. Their presence is determined by the availability of food sources and suitable, undisturbed sites for their underground homes. They are frequently found in gardens, under stone walls, near old outbuildings, and in areas with mature trees.
Seasonal Life and Daily Activities
Eastern Chipmunks are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day, typically foraging during the mid-morning and late afternoon. They are solitary and territorial, especially around the entrance to their burrow. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting primarily of seeds, nuts, fruits, and mushrooms. They also consume insects, earthworms, bird eggs, and small animals.
A defining behavior is food hoarding, or caching, facilitated by large internal cheek pouches used to transport food to their burrows. The complex underground system includes a central nest chamber and storage chambers, which can hold up to a half-bushel of nuts and seeds. This stored food is essential for surviving the colder Missouri months, as the chipmunk does not build up sufficient body fat for true, uninterrupted hibernation.
Instead of deep hibernation, the Eastern Chipmunk enters a period of restless dormancy called torpor during late fall and winter. They wake periodically to feed on their stored caches, and on mild, sunny winter days, they may briefly emerge above ground. Breeding occurs twice a year in Missouri: the first season is in early spring (February to April), and the second is around mid-summer (June to August).
Managing Chipmunks Around Homes
The natural digging behavior of chipmunks can lead to conflicts when they burrow under patios, walkways, or building foundations. Since they carry excavated soil in their cheek pouches and scatter it, the burrow entrance often lacks a visible dirt mound. To mitigate damage, the simplest strategy is to remove attractants like spilled bird seed, fallen fruit, or pet food left outdoors.
Modifying the landscape can also discourage them from settling near structures. This includes removing potential shelter spots such as dense brush piles, woodpiles, and scattered debris. Physical barriers are effective for protecting vulnerable garden areas. This involves burying L-shaped barriers of quarter-inch hardware cloth around foundations or planting flower bulbs beneath a layer of the same mesh. When control is necessary due to damage, live-catch traps or rat snap traps baited with peanut butter or nut meats are considered the most practical method for removal.