Have you ever come across a small, furry creature in your backyard and wondered if it’s a chipmunk or a ground squirrel? Although they may look similar at first glance, these two animals are actually quite different. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at chipmunk vs ground squirrel pictures and learn how to tell them apart.
Appearance
One of the easiest ways to distinguish between a chipmunk and a ground squirrel is by their appearance. Chipmunks are smaller than ground squirrels, measuring only 5-6 inches in length. They have distinctive stripes on their backs and faces, with brown fur on their backs and white or gray fur on their bellies.
Ground squirrels, on the other hand, are larger and more robust, measuring up to 12 inches in length. They have a more uniform coloration, with brown or grayish-brown fur covering their entire body. They also have a flatter tail, while chipmunks have a bushier, more rounded tail.
Habitat
Chipmunks and ground squirrels also differ in their habitat preferences. Chipmunks are more commonly found in wooded areas, where they can burrow in the ground and hide under brush and fallen leaves. They are also known to make their homes in rock crevices and tree stumps.
Ground squirrels, on the other hand, prefer open grassy areas, such as fields and meadows. They are also known to burrow in the ground, creating complex tunnel systems that can span several feet underground.
Behavior
While both chipmunks and ground squirrels are active during the day, they have different behaviors. Chipmunks are more active during the early morning and late afternoon, taking breaks during the hottest parts of the day. They are also known to store food in their cheek pouches, which they transport back to their burrows to eat later.
Ground squirrels, on the other hand, are more active throughout the day, especially during the spring and summer months. They are also known to be more social, living in large groups and communicating with each other through vocalizations and body language.
Diet
Chipmunks and ground squirrels have similar diets, consisting mainly of seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. However, chipmunks tend to be more selective in their food choices, preferring to eat certain types of seeds and nuts over others.
Ground squirrels, on the other hand, are known to eat a wider variety of foods, including grasses and other vegetation. They are also known to be opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of any food source that becomes available.
Reproduction
Both chipmunks and ground squirrels reproduce once or twice a year, with litters of 2-8 young. However, they differ in their mating habits. Chipmunks mate only once a year, in the spring or early summer, while ground squirrels have a longer breeding season, which can last from February to August.
Ground squirrels also have a unique mating behavior, called “leapfrogging.” In this behavior, a male will chase a female and then leap over her, in an attempt to show off his agility and strength.
Conservation Status
Both chipmunks and ground squirrels are considered to be of “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, some species of ground squirrels are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as predation by domestic cats and other predators.
Conclusion
Although chipmunks and ground squirrels may look similar at first glance, they are actually quite different in their appearance, habitat, behavior, diet, and reproduction. By learning to identify the differences between these two animals, you can better appreciate and understand the unique characteristics of each species.