Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Chipmunk key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Usually under 2 years in the wild; captive record of 8 years

Size

About 30cm including tail; 66–115g

Diet

Omnivore: mainly fruit, seeds and nuts, plus insects

Cage

It forages on the ground but climbs well. Use a tall cage with a nest box and branches, and bedding deep enough to dig in.

Diet

Staples are fruit, seeds and nuts, plus insects and worms. It hoards food in its cheek pouches and caches, so check hidden food for spoilage.

Temperament

Solitary and territorial around its burrow; keep animals singly to avoid fights.

Temperature

It does not fatten for hibernation but alternates torpor with waking in winter. Keep the room warm in winter and watch its weight, as torpor cuts food intake.

Regulations

As a squirrel it needs a species-name certificate on import, and imports fall under the animal import notification system.

Notes

It is a different species from the Siberian chipmunk. Alien squirrels are already a problem in Japan, so never release captive animals into the wild.

About Eastern Chipmunk

Learn about the Eastern chipmunk: its five dark back stripes, cheek pouches, daytime and solitary habits, what to know before bringing one home, and answers to common questions.

7 things to know before welcoming a Eastern Chipmunk

1. 1Active in the daytime

   The Eastern chipmunk is diurnal, spending the day running and climbing. That makes it easy to watch, but constant foot traffic or loud noise during the day can leave it unsettled. Place the cage in a quiet spot away from direct sunlight and drafts from an air conditioner.

2. 2Keep them alone

   In the wild this species lives alone and defends its territory. Housing several together can lead to fights, so the basic rule is one animal per cage.

3. 3Give it plenty of room

   This animal stores food in a burrow, so it needs space to run, climb, and hide. Since adults reach about 30 cm including the tail, choose a roomy cage and add a nest box, deep bedding it can burrow into, and branches to climb. It is small and quick, so check doors and gaps regularly.

4. 4Hoarding and diet

   It fills its cheek pouches and carries food back to its nest to store. Fresh food that is stashed away can spoil and grow mold, so check the nest box regularly. Do not rely on seeds alone, and mix in vegetables and other foods. An experienced vet or keeper can help you plan the details.

5. 5Watch for cold and torpor

   This species lives through cold winters in eastern North America, and in the wild it enters a state close to hibernation. In captivity, prolonged cold can also make it stop moving, which can be hard to tell apart from illness. Keep the room temperature stable, and decide how you will manage winter before you bring one home.

6. 6Taming takes patience

   Some individuals are wary, and whether one becomes comfortable on your hand depends on the animal and on how you approach it. At just 66 to 115 g, it must never be gripped tightly, so build trust gradually with your voice and small treats. A frightened chipmunk may bite or become stressed, so never force contact.

7. 7Find a vet in advance

   At 66 to 115 g, changes in condition can show up quickly. Make it a habit to check its appetite, droppings, and activity every day. Before bringing one home, look for a vet who can see chipmunks or other small animals, so you are not scrambling if something goes wrong.

Frequently asked questions about Eastern Chipmunk

Q.Can a beginner keep an Eastern chipmunk?

A.It is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. It is solitary and territorial, some individuals are wary, and the setup and room temperature need care, so experience with small animals helps. If you are new to this, research its habits and required equipment thoroughly first.

Q.Can I keep more than one together?

A.The basic approach is one animal per cage. They live alone in the wild and are territorial, so sharing a cage can lead to fights.

Q.How long do they live?

A.In the wild they usually live less than two years, and a captive lifespan of eight years has been recorded. That eight-year figure is a record rather than a typical lifespan, so individuals vary. Because it could be a long commitment, plan ahead before bringing one home.

Q.How big do adults get?

A.Adults reach about 30 cm in total length including the tail and weigh 66 to 115 g. They are light, so handle them gently, and provide a roomy cage where they can move around freely.

Q.Why do their cheeks puff out?

A.They are filling their cheek pouches to carry food, a habit tied to storing it in a burrow. If it is just food, there is no need to worry, but if the swelling lasts, consult a vet.

Useful tools for Eastern Chipmunk care

Learn more about Eastern Chipmunk in the encyclopedia

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