Chipmunks are common and native residents of Virginia, frequently sighted darting across yards and woodlands throughout the state. The small, striped rodents are well-established members of the local ecosystem. These animals are recognizable by their distinct appearance and characteristic rapid movements along the forest floor and stonework.
The Eastern Chipmunk: Virginia’s Native Species
The specific species found across the commonwealth is the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus). This rodent is classified as a native species, having been an integral part of the North American environment for a long time. It is the sole member of its genus, distinguishing it from other chipmunk species found primarily in the western United States.
Identifying an Eastern Chipmunk is straightforward due to its distinctive markings. They are small, moderately heavy-set ground squirrels, typically measuring between 8 and 10 inches in total length and weighing 2.3 to 4.5 ounces. Their fur is generally reddish-brown with five prominent dark stripes running along the back and sides.
A single black stripe runs down the center of the back, flanked by two wider gray stripes. The face features light and dark stripes that run above and below the eyes, a feature that helps distinguish them from other small rodents. Unlike some other chipmunk species, the Eastern Chipmunk’s stripes stop before reaching the rump.
A defining characteristic is their large, expandable internal cheek pouches, which they use for transporting food. These pouches can stretch significantly, allowing the chipmunk to carry bulk quantities of seeds, nuts, and other forage back to its burrow. This adaptation enables them to quickly gather supplies for later consumption.
Distribution Across the Commonwealth
The Eastern Chipmunk is widely distributed throughout Virginia and is a common sight in many regions. Their presence is greatest in areas that provide ample cover, such as the mountainous Appalachian and Blue Ridge regions and the rolling hills of the Piedmont. These areas offer the rocky terrain and mature deciduous forests the species prefers for foraging and shelter.
While the species is common across much of the interior, its population density decreases significantly toward the coast. Chipmunks are rare or absent in many of the extreme southeastern counties, particularly within the Coastal Plain and Tidewater area. This scarcity is attributed to the less favorable habitat, as the flat, sandy soil and lack of rocky cover are not ideal for their burrowing and foraging needs. The distribution reflects a strong preference for upland habitats with established forest cover.
Essential Habitat and Behavior
Eastern Chipmunks prefer habitats that offer a combination of dense cover and accessible food sources, favoring mature deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and areas with rocky outcrops. They are also frequently found in suburban environments, utilizing stone walls, brush piles, and spaces under outbuildings for protection. These spots provide security from predators and structural support for their homes.
The chipmunk is a diurnal animal, with peak periods of activity occurring in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. They are mostly terrestrial foragers but are proficient climbers, readily ascending trees to access nuts and seeds. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, insects, worms, and bird eggs.
The species constructs complex underground burrow systems that can be extensive, sometimes reaching over ten feet in length and three feet in depth. These burrows feature separate chambers for nesting and for storing food, known as a larder. The entrance is often small, about two inches in diameter, and is typically hidden without an obvious mound of excavated soil.
Eastern Chipmunks do not truly hibernate by accumulating large fat reserves; instead, they enter a state of torpor during the coldest months, from approximately mid-November to early February in Virginia. They wake periodically to feed on the substantial food stores cached underground during warmer seasons. They are solitary and territorial, particularly around the entrance to their burrow.