Ever catch yourself watching squirrels and chipmunks darting around your yard and wonder if they’re related? I know I have. They look a lot alike and actually belong to the same family, but there are some surprising differences between them.
If you get curious about how these little creatures connect, it really can help you notice the variety of wildlife right outside your window.
Squirrels and chipmunks are cousins since both fall under the Sciuridae family, but they’re different species within it. They share some traits, but their behaviors and looks set them apart. Chipmunks? They’re usually smaller and have those iconic stripes. Squirrels, though, come in all sorts of colors and sizes.
Knowing this makes watching them a bit more fun, honestly. You start to notice their habits and the unique roles they play in your neighborhood ecosystem.
If you’re curious what makes each of these furry critters unique, let’s dive in and see what’s what.
Are Squirrels and Chipmunks Cousins in the Animal Kingdom?
So, how close are squirrels and chipmunks, really? They share a family, but their habits and habitats can be pretty different. If you know their family ties and differences, you’ll spot them more easily next time you’re outside.
Sciuridae: The Squirrel Family Connection
Both squirrels and chipmunks belong to Sciuridae, which is basically the squirrel family. This group covers tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, flying squirrels, and even prairie dogs.
They trace back to common ancestors from millions of years ago, so you could call them distant cousins.
Members of Sciuridae are small to medium-sized rodents. Chipmunks are the tiniest—usually under 10 inches long and weighing less than a pound.
Their close relationship explains why they share things like sharp teeth for gnawing and strong back legs for jumping.
You’ll see them in parks, forests, and sometimes even your own backyard. Still, their lifestyles don’t always overlap—one reason you might not see them hanging out together.
Key Differences Between Squirrels and Chipmunks
You can tell chipmunks and squirrels apart if you look at their size, colors, and how they act.
Chipmunks:
- They’re the smallest in the squirrel family
- Stripes run from head to tail
- Spend most of their time on the ground, digging burrows
- Usually keep to themselves and defend their territory
Tree Squirrels:
- Bigger, about 15 inches long with bushy tails
- No stripes; colors range from gray to red or brown
- Live up in trees and build nests there
- Tend to be more social and spend time above ground
Both eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. Chipmunks and ground squirrels hide food in their burrows, while tree squirrels snack right from trees or raid bird feeders.
Comparing Tree Squirrels, Ground Squirrels, and Chipmunks
It’s helpful to know how these groups differ if you want to identify them.
| Type | Size | Habitat | Behavior | Stripes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipmunks | Up to 10 inches | Woodland edges, burrows | Solitary, complex tunnels | Stripes on head and body |
| Ground Squirrels | Larger than chipmunks | Open fields, rocky areas | Social, live in colonies | Body stripes, no head stripes |
| Tree Squirrels | Up to 15 inches | Trees, urban areas | Active, live in tree nests | No stripes |
Chipmunks are really just small, private ground squirrels. Ground squirrels like open, rocky places and live in groups. Tree squirrels? They stick to wooded spots and city parks with plenty of trees.
You’ll notice chipmunks darting into burrows, while tree squirrels leap from branch to branch.
If you get the hang of these differences, you’ll start to appreciate how much variety there is in the squirrel family.
For more details, check out this informative page on chipmunks and ground squirrels.
Unique Members of the Squirrel Family
The squirrel family is actually much bigger than just tree squirrels and chipmunks. Some live mostly on the ground, others glide through the air, and each kind has its own quirks.
Learning about these unique members really shows how diverse this family is.
Marmots and Their Relationship to Squirrels
Marmots are big ground squirrels that dig burrows in meadows and mountains. These guys can weigh up to 10 pounds, which is pretty hefty for a squirrel relative.
Marmots share a distant ancestor with tree squirrels, so you could call them distant cousins. Their strong legs help them dig, and they hibernate through the winter.
You’ll spot marmots mostly in North America and Europe. They’re social, too—living in colonies and even whistling to talk to each other.
Flying Squirrels: Distant Relatives
Flying squirrels are kind of wild—they glide between trees using a skin flap from wrist to ankle. Unlike chipmunks or ground squirrels, they spend most of their lives high in the forest.
These little guys are small and mostly come out at night, which is unusual for squirrels. They don’t actually fly like birds or bats, but they can glide pretty far.
Their gliding sets them apart from other squirrels, but they still belong to Sciuridae. You might spot a northern flying squirrel if you’re lucky and looking up.
Spotlight on the Least Chipmunk and Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel
The least chipmunk is the tiniest chipmunk species, weighing just a few ounces. You’ll find it mostly in western North America.
It’s got a slim body and clear stripes down its back.
The golden-mantled ground squirrel looks a lot like a chipmunk but isn’t quite the same. It doesn’t have cheek pouches for food. Instead, it sports bold stripes and a golden-brown “mantle” across its shoulders.
Both spend most of their time on the ground, but they can climb trees if they need to. They’re always busy foraging for seeds and nuts to get ready for winter.
It’s pretty amazing how even close family members can end up with such different habits.
Eastern Gray Squirrel and Other Noteworthy Species
You’ll spot the eastern gray squirrel, or Sciurus carolinensis, all over the eastern United States. It’s probably darting through your local park or maybe even raiding your backyard bird feeder.
These squirrels show off a big, bushy tail and mostly gray fur, though you might catch a bit of brown mixed in. They climb trees like it’s nothing and usually hang out high above the ground.
Eastern gray squirrels stash away nuts—acorns are a big favorite—so they have snacks when food gets scarce.
The squirrel family doesn’t stop there. You’ve got the red squirrel and the fox squirrel, too, and honestly, their colors and sizes can surprise you.
Squirrels like these do more than just chase each other around. By spreading seeds, they help new trees grow and keep forests healthy.
