Chipmunks are present in Virginia, with the Eastern Chipmunk being the sole native species found throughout the state. These small, active rodents are a common sight across Virginia’s diverse landscapes.
The Eastern Chipmunk: Virginia’s Common Resident
The Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is the only chipmunk species native to Virginia. This species is widely distributed across the state, inhabiting various environments from mountainous regions to the edges of coastal plains. While common throughout Virginia, their presence can be less frequent in certain southeastern coastal plain counties.
Eastern chipmunks are adaptable, thriving in diverse settings. They are a native species, well-established in Virginia’s ecosystems, making them a common resident in natural and suburban areas.
Identifying Features and Preferred Habitats
Eastern Chipmunks are recognizable by their small size, typically 8 to 10 inches long (including tail) and weighing 2.3 to 4.5 ounces. They have reddish-brown fur with a white underside. Distinctive markings include a median black stripe bordered by two white stripes on each side, and lighter stripes above and below their eyes. They also possess large internal cheek pouches used for carrying food.
Their preferred habitats include deciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges, suburban yards, and parks. They seek areas with ample ground cover such as brush, logs, rocky terrain, and stone walls. Eastern Chipmunks construct complex underground burrow systems, sometimes over 11 feet long and 3 feet deep. These burrows feature multiple entrances, nesting chambers, and food storage rooms. They conceal burrow entrances by carrying excavated dirt away in their cheek pouches and scattering it.
Daily Activities and Diet
Eastern Chipmunks are diurnal, active primarily during the daytime, with peak activity often observed in mid-morning and mid-afternoon. They are known for their quick movements and distinctive vocalizations, including “chip,” “chuck,” and trilling sounds. They spend much of their day foraging and collecting food, which they transport in their cheek pouches to underground caches.
Their diet is omnivorous and varied, consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, berries, and fungi. They also consume insects, earthworms, slugs, and occasionally small animal matter like bird eggs or nestlings. While Eastern Chipmunks do not truly hibernate, they enter a state of restless hibernation or torpor during colder months, periodically waking to feed on stored food reserves. This allows them to survive periods when external food sources are scarce.