Squirrel vs. Chipmunk | NatureNibble

A chipmunk holding a nut over a branch of tree surrounded with flowers.

Chipmunks and squirrels both belong to the Sciuridae family. Although these rodents are similar in appearance, there are several significant differences between them. They behave in similar ways to each other yet exhibit distinct traits and characteristics.

When comparing squirrels versus chipmunks, the one is often mistaken for the other; however, they are entirely different. Chipmunks have the same shape as squirrels, yet they are smaller with distinctive stripes down their backs and faces. Chipmunks don’t have a reputation for being a pest.

Although squirrels are considered a nuisance, they and chipmunks are fascinating creatures. Squirrels are intelligent and outmaneuver predators by running in zigzags. Chipmunks, although the smaller cousin, is equally intelligent.

Squirrels vs Chipmunks
Tree Squirrels vs Chipmunks
- Summary of Tree Squirrels vs Chipmunks
Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunks
- Summary of Ground Squirrels Versus Chipmunks

Flying Squirrel vs Chipmunks
- Summary of Flying Squirrel vs Chipmunks
Conclusion

Squirrels vs Chipmunks

A chipmunk on a branch of tree eating a nut.

Although their body shape is essentially alike, squirrels are larger, longer, and heftier than chipmunks. Their coloring, patterns, and fur possess noteworthy differences. The primary features that identify a chipmunk are its diminutive form and its back and face stripes.

At an average weight of 1 – 5 ounces, chipmunks are the smallest member of the Sciuridae family. Squirrels and chipmunks are diurnal; they are mainly active at sunrise and before dusk, except flying squirrels that are nocturnal.

Chipmunks have pouches inside their cheeks that serve to store food while foraging. The big, swollen appearance of the full cheeks is not a reliable identifying feature, as some ground squirrels also have this trait. The size of a full pouch can expand to the size of the chipmunk.

Chipmunks create tunnels that form a series of underground tunnels. The underground burrows are well concealed, with camouflaged entrances. The tunnels can extend 10 – 30 feet long. The nesting area is well maintained, lined with leaves, clean, and hoards food.

Squirrels are especially bothersome to humans. They tend to dig up gardens for bulbs, shoots, and bite through wires. Chipmunks don’t have a bad reputation and generally aren’t considered a nuisance.

There are 25 classifications of chipmunk species ranging from Canada across North America to Mexico, all except for the Siberian chipmunk. The various terrains include deserts, wooded areas, and suburban neighborhoods.

Squirrels are integral to many terrestrial ecosystems. There are approximately 280 species of squirrels. There are three types of squirrels in the Sciuridae family: the tree squirrel, the ground squirrel, and the flying squirrel.

Tree Squirrels vs Chipmunks

The tree squirrel is the largest of all three squirrels; its large shaggy, fluffy tail is its main identifying feature. It has an elongated frame and basic brown coloring. Tree squirrels reside in trees.

Description	Squirrels (Tree Squirrel)	Chipmunks
Genus	Sciuridae- Rodent	Sciuridae- Rodent
Size	5-36 inches	10 inches
Weight	11-35 ounces (1-1.5 pounds during winter)	1-5 ounces
Appearance	Long, lean bodies, large bushy tail that doubles the length of the body, short thick fur, large ears, and sharp claws (ear tufts)	Small size, have cheek pouches, short tails, the body is the same shape as squirrels
Coloring	Black, brown, rust red, and grey	Rusty brown fur, two tan bands, and five black stripes run down its back from neck to rear, black stripes on the face
Lifespan	Average 5-12 years can live to 15 years in a sanctuary	2-5 years depending on the species and environment, in a sanctuary reported cases of 11 years
Habitat	Arboreal- build homes in trees	Nest in underground burrows
Distribution	On every continent except the poles and Australia, Greenland, and Madagascar	Canada, North America, Mexico, and Parts of Asia (Siberian chipmunk)
Diet	Omnivores- Seeds, nuts, fruits, fungi, insects, smaller mammals, and young snakes, tree sap is a delicacy to some species	Omnivores- Seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and small animals
Vocalization	Specific vocalization for mating, alarms, and social interaction	Yes- chip and deep chunk sounds and the startle call- ward off predators
Mating Habits	Twice a year- December and January, and May to June	Breed twice a year, once in March (spring) and again in July (summer)
Traits	Solitary	Solitary
Behaviors	Diurnal	Diurnal
Hibernation Period	Active all year	2-3 days at a time, October – March
Scatter Hoarding	No need – due to deep hibernation sleep	Store food for the winter

Summary of Tree Squirrels vs Chipmunks

Size- tree squirrel 5-36 inches; chipmunks are 10 inches

Weight- tree squirrel 11-35 ounces; chipmunks 1-5 ounces
Coloring- tree squirrel black, brown, and rust-red; chipmunks black and tan stripes
Lifespan- tree squirrel 5-12 years; chipmunks 2-5 years

Habitat- tree squirrel arboreal; underground burrows
Diet- Both are omnivores

Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunks

Ground squirrel wandering on the grassland.

The ground squirrel is very similar in appearance to chipmunks. They are roughly the same proportions, and both have stripes. Frequently ground squirrels are misidentified as chipmunks.

Description	Squirrels (Ground Squirrel)	Chipmunks
Genus	Sciuridae- Rodent	Sciuridae- Rodent
Size	12-14 inches	10 inches
Weight	21-30 ounces	1-5 ounces
Appearance	Robust little bodies, short, sturdy forelegs, thick thighs, furry, short tails, large, broad feet with a sizeable middle digit for burrowing	Small size, have cheek pouches, short tails, the body is the same shape as squirrels
Coloring	Black, brown, rust red, and grey	Rusty brown fur, two tan bands, and five black stripes run down its back from neck to rear, black stripes on the face
Lifespan	5-7 years	2-5 years depending on the species and environment, in a sanctuary reported cases of 11 years
Habitat	Lawn or grassy pastures, meadows, typically shun wooded area- Nest in underground burrows	Nest in underground burrows
Distribution	On every continent except the poles and Australia, Greenland, and Madagascar	Canada, North America, Mexico, and parts of Asia (Siberian chipmunk)
Diet	Omnivores- seeds, fruits, nuts, fungi, bird eggs, baby birds,	Omnivores- Seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and small animals
Vocalization	Specific vocalization for mating, alarms, and social interaction	Chip and deep chunk sound and the startle call- ward off predators
Mating Habits	Peak mating cycles twice a year- December and January, and May to June	Breed twice a year, once in March (spring) and again in July (summer)
Traits	Highly social– live in colonies	Solitary
Behavior	Diurnal	Diurnal
Hibernation Period	3-4 months underground	2-3 days at a time, October- March
Scatter Hoarding	No need- due to deep hibernation sleep	Store food for the winter

Summary of Ground Squirrels Versus Chipmunks

Size- ground squirrel 12-14 inches; chipmunks are 10 inches
Weight- ground squirrel 21-30 ounces; chipmunks 1-5 ounces
Coloring- ground squirrel black, brown, and rust-red; chipmunks black and tan stripes

Lifespan- ground squirrel 5-7 years; chipmunks 2-5 years
Habitat- Both in underground burrows
Diet- Both are omnivores

Flying Squirrel vs Chipmunks

The flying squirrel has a unique membrane (patagium) attached to its wrists and ankles that assists it in gliding from tree to tree. The patagium is a membrane pelt formed like a parachute that stretches out from wrists to ankles.

Description	Squirrels (Flying Squirrel)	Chipmunks
Genus	Sciuridae- Rodent	Sciuridae- Rodent
Size	8-10 inches	10 inches
Weight	1.8-2.5 ounces	1-5 ounces
Appearance	Fluffy tails the length of their bodies, ear tufts, furry membrane attached to wrists and ankles for gliding	Small size, have cheek pouches, short tails, the body is the same shape as squirrels
Coloring	Grey, brown	Rusty brown fur, two tan bands, and five black stripes run down its back from neck to rear, black stripes on the face
Lifespan	An average of six years in the wild and 15 years in a sanctuary	2-5 years depending on the species and environment, in a sanctuary reported cases of 11 years
Habitat	Deciduous and coniferous forests and woodland	Nest in underground burrows
Distribution	North America, Central America, Scandinavia, and Southeast and Northern Asia	Canada, North America, Mexico, and parts of Asia (Siberian Chipmunk)
Diet	Omnivores- seeds, fruits, nuts, fungi, bird eggs, baby birds,	Omnivores- Seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and small animals
Vocalization	Specific vocalization for mating, alarms, and social interaction	Chip and deep chunk sound and the startle call- ward off predators
Mating Habits	During February and March	Breed twice a year, once in March (spring) and again in July (summer)
Traits	Solitary, group together to stay warm	Solitary
Behavior	Nocturnal	Diurnal
Hibernation Period	Active all year round	2-3 days at a time, October- March
Scatter Hoarding	No need- due to deep hibernation sleep	Store food for winter

Summary of Flying Squirrel vs Chipmunks

Size- flying squirrel 8-10 inches; chipmunks are 10 inches
Weight- flying squirrel 1.8-2.5 ounces; chipmunks 1-5 ounces

Coloring- flying squirrel grey, brown; chipmunks black and tan stripes
Lifespan- flying squirrel 6-15 years; chipmunks 2-5 years
Habitat- flying squirrel arboreal; chipmunks underground burrows

Diet- Both are omnivores

Conclusion

Squirrels and chipmunks are alike. These rodents of the Sciuridae family have the same body shape but different coloring and size. A chipmunk is smaller with black stripes down its back and on its face.

The tree squirrel has a sizeable bushy tail that assists it with balance. The chipmunk lives in a network of underground burrows, as does the ground squirrel, not the flying or the tree squirrel.

References:

Forest Preserve District of Will County: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE: CHIPMUNK VS. GROUND SQUIRREL

AZ Animals: Chipmunk vs Squirrel: 7 Main Differences Explained

The Conversation: Why do chipmunks live on the ground but squirrels live in trees?

Pediaa.Com: What is the Difference Between Chipmunk and Squirrel

AllThingsNature: What is the Difference Between a Squirrel and a Chipmunk?

University of Saskatchewan: Why do chipmunks live on the ground but squirrels live in trees?

Neeness: Are Chipmunks Part Of The Squirrel Family?

National Wildlife Federation Blog: NOT Alvin and the Chipmunks: 10 Facts You May Not Know about the Real Rodents

Differencebetween.net: Difference Between Squirrel and Chipmunk

PAWS: Squirrels and Chipmunks

Pets on Mom.com: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A CHIPMUNK AND A SQUIRREL