Where do Chipmunks Live
Chipmunks are small rodents from the squirrel family. There are more than 20 different species of chipmunks. These animals are best known for collecting and hoarding tree seeds and this behavior is actually an important part of the forest ecosystem. The lifespan of a chipmunk is usually about 3 years in the wild, but they have been known to live up to 9 years in captivity. Let’s take a look at the habitat and distribution of these interesting animals.
Where do chipmunks live?
The majority of species of chipmunks are found within North America. At least one species of chipmunk can be found from Canada in the North to Mexico in the south. The only species of chipmunk that lives outside of North America is the Siberian chipmunk. This chipmunk is found in many parts of northern Asia, including parts of Russia, China, Korea and on Hokkaido, which is the second largest island of Japan.
Chipmunks can usually be found in forests where the construct large burrows. These can measure in excess of 3.5 m (11.5 feet) and often have several entrances that are concealed. The burrows have a designated area where the chipmunks deposit their waste to keep the rest of the burrow clean. They also store their food for winter in their burrow.
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