#SQUIRREL VS CHIPMUNK FULL#

Chipmunks have distinct rounded and erect ears, while squirrels have shorter and more unnoticeable ones.

The only difference is that a chipmunk consumes smaller plants.

Both chipmunks and ground squirrels have similar food habits.

#SQUIRREL VS CHIPMUNK FULL#

Goes on full hibernation for three to four months after eating and doubling body mass and fat. Hibernation Sleeps for three to four days and then wakes up to eat. Found in gardens and parks with no need of medium to climb. Habitat Usually spotted in rocky or hilly dry areas as they love to climb. Thin and closely spaced stripes on the back but not on the head, with small unnoticeable ears. Visual Appearance Rounded and erect ears with spaced-out stripes all over the back and head. Small animals and insects are also a part of their food habit. They are more into agricultural plants such as wheat and corn. Loves seeds, small plants, berries, and nuts. Their calls sound like clicking noises and are usually done while the rodent flicks its tail. Calls once in a blue moon, when danger is sensed. They call often even when they are not in danger. Parameter Chipmunk Ground Squirrel Calls/Vocals It has More of a bird-like call. A side-by-side comparison as such can help summarize the differences for you as well. Here is a comparison table that will help you see the differences more clearly. Jaguar: What Are The Differences?ĭifference Between Ground Squirrel and Chipmunk: A Table They will mostly call out if they sense danger nearby.Ĭrocodile Vs. The calls are usually accompanied by flicks of their tails. They make a very common and distinctive clicking sound which goes “kuk kuk kuk”. They are more vocal than ground squirrels. Sometimes they even sound like aggressive bird chirps. Most commonly, they are heard making a high-pitched chip or cluck call. So, the food that they collect is usually stored with them underground.Ī chipmunk can make a variety of sounds. They will get up every three to four days to eat. Because they sleep for three to four months straight without waking up, they do not need to store the food they are collecting.Ĭhipmunks wake up while hibernating. That is how squirrels increase their body fat to survive through the winter. They usually eat up all this food to double their body weight. So, although you will see them collecting food before winter, it is not for storage. They both choose to hibernate underground during this period.Īs we’ve said before, only ground squirrels truly hibernate. On the contrary, chipmunks will gather food and hibernate but wake up every three to four days to eat and check on their surroundings. They rarely wake up in the middle of their hibernation. Squirrels collect their food and hibernate for three to four months straight.

You will see both of the creatures collecting food for their winter hibernation, but only one truly hibernates. A mountain, rocky terrain, woody, or an area with shrubs are where you can see chipmunks.īoth the rodents hibernate, but not in the same manner. A forest, park, cemetery, golf garden, or pastures are places where these creatures roam around.īut chipmunks are found in dryer regions. Usually, you get to see squirrels in grassy, green areas.

These alternate between dark brown and light brown or white. It might also have dots that give them a spotty appearance.Ĭhipmunks usually have just five stripes that are spaced out. The stripes on the body of a squirrel will be closer together. A small insect or two are also a part of their diet at times.Īlso, squirrels have more stripes on their bodies than chipmunks. They usually tend to go for seeds, berries, and small nuts. Chipmunks have erected rounded ears, while squirrels have short ears that are barely visible.Ĭhipmunks usually have a lighter diet compared to ground squirrels. They are exceptionally quick at climbing!Īn easy way to tell if the rodent in front of you is a squirrel or a chipmunk is by looking at its ears. You will sometimes see them on the ground and sometimes climbing tall trees. Rocks, cliffs, and boulders are where they feel most at ease.

Often referred to as “pygmy squirrels,” chipmunks are more commonly sighted in forest understories and rocky terrains. An average chipmunk is about 3.6 to 6.3 inches in length. You would usually spot them in the daylight, but never in the night. They are usually found in the Northern part of America.Īn easy way to recognize a chipmunk is by its prominent eyes and ears. Chipmunks belong to the family of rodents.

Squirrel vs chipmunk