Chipmunk

Chipmunk, common name for any of 25 species of small rodent  native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The various species all have reddish-brown fur, with white and black stripes on the back and long, furry tails. Their cheek pouches extend to the back of the head and, in some, even to the shoulders. They are distinguished from other ground squirrels by their striped faces. Chipmunks' sounds are a loud "chip" and a rapid trill.

The chipmunk feeds on grain, nuts, birds' eggs, and insects. It lives in a burrow, where it stores food for winter. It remains in its nest until spring, but it comes out on warm days during winter. Mating takes place in March, and after a gestation of 31 days the female produces a litter of three to five. The offspring are mature by July and able to breed the following spring.

Scientific classification: Chipmunks belong to the family Sciuridae.

Chipmunk Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2001. © 1993-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.