Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling rodents known for their active digging habits. They construct intricate underground burrow systems, a fundamental behavior for their survival. This digging serves various purposes, allowing chipmunks to thrive.
Why Chipmunks Dig
Chipmunks dig for survival needs, creating underground spaces for protection. Their burrows offer shelter from predators like hawks, snakes, foxes, and weasels. These subterranean dwellings also provide refuge from harsh weather conditions.
They also dig to create a secure environment for raising young. Female chipmunks construct nesting chambers within their burrows to birth and care for litters. The insulated and hidden chambers protect offspring during their early weeks.
Beyond shelter, chipmunks dig to store food, important for cooler months. They gather nuts, seeds, and other provisions in designated storage chambers. While not true hibernators, they enter a state of torpor during winter, relying on these stored food reserves.
The Structure of Chipmunk Burrows
Chipmunk burrows are complex underground networks. The entrance holes are typically small and round, measuring about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Unlike many other burrowing animals, chipmunks usually do not leave a visible mound of dirt around their entrances. They carry excavated soil away in their cheek pouches, dispersing it elsewhere for concealment.
These inconspicuous entry points lead to a main tunnel that can extend up to 3 feet deep and reach lengths of 20 to 30 feet. Branching off the main tunnel are various side pockets and chambers. Some pockets are used for hoarding food and collecting empty shells, while others provide space for the chipmunk to turn around.
A central feature of the burrow system is the nesting chamber, often lined with soft materials like dried leaves and grasses for comfort and insulation. Burrows can also feature multiple entrances, including “plunge holes” that drop straight down, and additional escape tunnels for quick exits. Specialized drainage tunnels are sometimes dug at the lowest points to prevent water accumulation, ensuring the living spaces remain dry.
Preferred Digging Locations
Chipmunks are selective about where they establish their burrows, favoring locations that offer both concealment and convenience. They tend to dig in areas that provide natural cover, such as under rocks, fallen logs, and dense tree roots. These spots offer protection from predators and help camouflage the burrow entrances.
Dense vegetation, including shrubs and woodpiles, also serves as an attractive digging site, providing additional layers of security. Chipmunks frequently choose locations near human structures, burrowing under patios, stairs, sheds, and even building foundations. Old stone walls are another common choice, as they offer stable, hidden points of entry.
The proximity to reliable food sources also influences their digging locations. Chipmunks are often found burrowing near bird feeders or gardens, which provide readily available nuts, seeds, and other edibles. These strategic choices allow chipmunks to efficiently access resources while maintaining a secure underground home base.