Chipmunks and squirrels belong to the Sciuridae family. They also look and act very similar. But there are several differences between the two rodents. First, squirrels are longer and heavier than chipmunks. Also in squirrels and chipmunks, hair varies in color and pattern.
While squirrels usually live in trees, chipmunks live in a burrow with multiple tunnels. While they are both known to eat nuts and seeds, there are a few more dishes on the chipmunks’ menu! Are gophers and chipmunks the same thing? Squirrels and chipmunks belong to the same family, but do they get along with each other? Check out the answers to these questions and other fun facts!
Comparison of chipmunk and squirrel
Keep in mind that there are three types of squirrels in the Sciuridae family:
- Tree squirrel: This is the largest protein of all three types. It is known for its fluffy tail and long body. There are no stripes on the wool.
- Gopher: The gopher is very similar to the chipmunk. They are about the same size and have stripes on the fur. Unsurprisingly, they are often mistaken for chipmunks. But if you look closely, the gopher’s stripes continue up the back and head. The chipmunk has no stripes on its head.
- Flying Squirrel: This squirrel has a special membrane attached to its wrists and ankles that allows it to glide from tree to tree. Although it looks like a squirrel in appearance, its ability to slide is very different from the other two types.
Squirrel | Chipmunk | |
---|---|---|
The size | 0.5 oz to 4 lbs | 1 to 5 ounces |
Life span | Up to 12 years old | Up to 6 years old |
Habitat | Parks, woodlands | Deserts, mountains, forests |
Body | Long body, long fluffy tail, no stripes. | Short body, fluffy thin tail, stripes |
Diet | Nuts, seeds | Nuts, seeds, berries, insects |
Length | 9-12 inches | 3 to 5 inches |
Distribution | Worldwide, except Australia and Antarctica | North America, part of Asia and Europe |
7 main differences between a chipmunk and a squirrel
Chipmunk vs squirrel: size
Squirrels are larger than chipmunks. The squirrel’s body is 9 to 12 inches long. They have a tail that can grow another 12 inches to their total length! Alternatively, a chipmunk’s body is 3 to 5 inches long. Its tail adds another 3 to 5 inches to its overall length.
Chipmunk vs squirrel: appearance
The body of the chipmunk is covered with brown fur. However, this rodent is known for its black and white stripes on the back and sides. Squirrels have gray or brown fur on their back and head, and white fur on their belly. There are no stripes on it.
Chipmunk vs. Squirrel: Habitat
Squirrels live in forests or parks. They build their nests in trees or high on branches. Their habitat serves as a place for their young as well as a hiding place from predators. Chipmunks live in deserts, forests and sometimes in the mountains. In particular, they live in burrows that have multiple tunnels. These small rodents can make tunnels where they give birth, store food, and hide from predators. In some suburban areas, chipmunks can use underground drainpipes as their own tunnel system!
Chipmunk vs. Protein: Diet
Both of these members of the Sciuridae family eat nuts and seeds. However, there is one difference: chipmunks also eat berries and insects. Note that squirrels sometimes eat insects, but first of all they are considered herbivores, and chipmunks are omnivores. Like other animals, these rodents will eat the food that is most in their habitat.
Chipmunk vs. Squirrel: Life Expectancy
Tree squirrels can live in the wild for up to 12 years, and chipmunks for up to 6 years. Scientists believe squirrels live longer because they are mobile and can escape by climbing trees, where most predators are unable to follow. Chipmunks live in the ground and are easier for predators to catch. In addition, chipmunks have a longer list of predators.
Chipmunk vs. Squirrel: Hibernation
In winter, chipmunks partially fall asleep. This means that they sleep for several days and then go out in search of food and disposal of garbage. Alternatively, squirrels spend the fall adding fat to their bodies and storing food so they don’t have to sleep or hibernate during the colder months.
Chipmunk vs. Squirrel: Spread
There are over 200 species of squirrels and they are found all over the world. In fact, Australia and Antarctica are the only places where they are not. On the other hand, most chipmunks live in North America from Canada to Mexico. The only exception is the Siberian chipmunk that lives in Asia and parts of Europe.
Next: Leopard vs Jaguar – 7 Key Differences
Chipmunk vs. Squirrel: 7 Key Differences, FAQs Explained (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can chipmunks mate with squirrels?
Not. They are incompatible with each other.
Do chipmunks and squirrels get along?
The answer lies somewhere between yes and no. Usually these two rodents do not interact with each other. Although they are members of the same family, they usually ignore each other if they are in the same area.
Why are chipmunks called gophers?
Calling a chipmunk a gopher is incorrect. These are two different types of rodents. However, sometimes it is difficult to tell them apart because they are very similar.
One difference between the two rodents is that the chipmunk has ears on its head, while the gopher has tiny flat ears. Another difference is that the gopher’s stripes go up on the head, while the chipmunks have stripes only on the back.
In addition, chipmunks usually live in forests, while gophers live in pastures.