Ever spot a chipmunk and a squirrel darting around your yard and wonder if they’re actually the same animal? At first glance, they seem pretty similar, but there are some obvious differences. Chipmunks are those small, striped little rodents, while squirrels are bigger and usually don’t have stripes at all.
If you look closely, you’ll see chipmunks have bold stripes running from their heads all the way down their backs. Squirrels don’t have those stripes.
Squirrels come in all sorts of sizes and colors. You’ll often see them hanging out in trees, while chipmunks stick closer to the ground or burrow entrances.
Noticing these differences makes it easier to figure out which critter you’re watching. Plus, there are some pretty cool things to know about their habits and how they fit into your neighborhood.
Are Chipmunks and Squirrels the Same Species?
Maybe you assume chipmunks and squirrels are the same just because they look alike and belong to the same family. But there are some key differences in how scientists classify them.
Learning these differences makes it easier to tell them apart.
Taxonomical Classification of Chipmunks and Squirrels
Both chipmunks and squirrels fall under the Sciuridae family. That family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and, of course, chipmunks.
Chipmunks are a specific group in this family. They belong to the genus Tamias and there are about 25 different chipmunk species.
Squirrels, on the other hand, is a much broader term. It covers around 268 species, including tree squirrels (Sciurus genus), ground squirrels, and even flying squirrels.
So, all chipmunks count as squirrels, but not every squirrel is a chipmunk.
You can kind of picture chipmunks as a little subgroup in the big squirrel family.
Relationship Between Chipmunks and Other Rodents
Chipmunks and squirrels both belong to the order Rodentia, so they’re rodents with those classic sharp front teeth for gnawing.
They’re closely related, sharing a bunch of habits and features. But chipmunks are actually more closely linked to ground squirrels and prairie dogs than they are to tree squirrels.
Why? Chipmunks spend a lot of time underground and have cheek pouches for carrying food—traits they share with ground squirrels.
Tree squirrels, meanwhile, live mostly up in the trees. So, while they all come from the same rodent roots, their lifestyles are pretty different.
Main Characteristics of the Sciuridae Family
The Sciuridae family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. Members of this family usually have:
- Sharp, tough teeth for cracking nuts and seeds
- Good climbing skills (especially those tree squirrels)
- Lots of variety in size and color
- A diet mostly made up of nuts, seeds, fruits, and sometimes insects
Chipmunks are small, striped, and live mostly on or under the ground. Tree squirrels are bigger, usually don’t have stripes, and spend most of their time up in the trees.
Spotting these traits really helps you tell chipmunks and squirrels apart, even though they’re all in the same family.
If you’re curious for more details, check out how they live and look here.
Key Differences Between Chipmunks and Squirrels
You’ll spot some big differences in size, behavior, and even diet between chipmunks and squirrels. These details make it easier to know what’s what, especially if you’re dealing with one in your yard.
Physical Appearance and Striping
Chipmunks are tiny—usually just 8 to 10 inches long, tail included. They have five bold dark stripes running down their backs and sides. That makes them stand out.
Their fur can be tan, reddish-brown, or somewhere in between, with a lighter belly.
Squirrels, though, are much larger. They can be 15 to 20 inches long and have those bushy, thick tails. Most squirrels, like the eastern gray squirrel, have plain fur without stripes. Some tree squirrels might have slight color variations, but nothing as bold as chipmunk stripes.
A chipmunk is light and fast, scurrying close to the ground. If you spot a bigger, bushy-tailed animal climbing trees, you’re definitely seeing a squirrel.
Curious about more size and striping info? Check this chipmunk vs. squirrel guide.
Habitat and Behavior
Chipmunks spend most of their time on the ground. They dig burrows underground, complete with tunnels and food storage rooms.
You might notice small dirt mounds near patios or gardens—those could be chipmunk homes.
Squirrels stick to the trees. They build nests high up, called dreys, using leaves and twigs. Sometimes they’ll move into old woodpecker holes.
You’ll see squirrels darting along branches, fences, or even power lines. They’re excellent climbers and sometimes sneak into attics.
Chipmunks act more secretive and rarely come inside houses. Squirrels, though, can be bold and often chew on soffits, vents, or even wires, sometimes causing damage.
Knowing these habits helps you spot the signs of each one. If you’re interested, you can see more about their homes at NatureMapping Foundation.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Squirrels mostly snack on nuts, seeds, and fruits from trees—think acorns, hickory nuts, and sometimes mushrooms or buds. They stash nuts in all sorts of places to eat later, especially in the fall.
Chipmunks eat a wider variety of things. Fruits, veggies, seeds, insects, bird eggs, and even small animals like baby mice are all on the menu. Their cheek pouches let them carry food back to their burrows to store.
If you notice shredded garden plants, missing fruits, or disturbed soil near your house, chipmunks might be the ones to blame. Squirrels are more likely to dig up bulbs or raid bird feeders and fruit trees.
Their different diets often mean different types of garden trouble. Want more on what they eat? Here’s a chipmunk vs. squirrel diet comparison.
Teeth Structure and Function
Chipmunks and squirrels both have sharp, tough front teeth called incisors. These teeth keep growing as long as they live.
They use their incisors to gnaw on nuts, bark, and all sorts of plant stuff. If you’ve ever seen a squirrel go at a walnut, you know how serious those teeth can get.
Squirrels sport bigger, stronger teeth than chipmunks. They can crack really hard nuts and chew through wood—or even wires, which is honestly a bit alarming.
That’s why squirrels sometimes end up damaging attics or stripping bark off trees. Their teeth just don’t quit.
Chipmunks’ teeth might be smaller, but they’re still razor-sharp. These work great for eating softer foods like seeds, fruits, or even the occasional insect.
They also use their teeth for digging in the soil when they’re making burrows. It’s kind of impressive how much they get done with those little mouths.
Beavers have teeth made for cutting wood underwater. Rabbits mostly chew on soft plants. But squirrels and chipmunks? They use their chompers mainly for gnawing and stashing food.
If you know how strong their teeth are, it’s easier to understand what kind of mischief they can get up to around your house.
