Ever wondered why those small, striped rodents are called chipmunks? It sounds like just a cute name, but it actually comes from a Native American word. The word “chipmunk” comes from the Ojibwe word “ajidamoo,” which means “red squirrel.” Early European settlers adapted it. Chipmunks aren’t exactly squirrels, even though people often think so. They…
You might spot chipmunks darting around your yard and think they’re just adorable little critters. Honestly, most people don’t worry about them at all. But have you ever wondered if they can actually carry diseases that might affect you or your family? Chipmunks can carry several diseases that spread to humans, including plague, salmonella, and…
Ever wondered if people actually keep chipmunks as pets? Well, some folks do, but honestly, it’s not all that common or simple. Chipmunks are wild animals, and they’ve got some pretty unique needs that make them tough to care for as pets. If you’re considering bringing a chipmunk into your home, you’ll need to check…
Ever watched a chipmunk dart across your yard or through the woods and wondered where it actually lives? Chipmunks usually nest underground in burrows. These burrows can get surprisingly complex, with winding tunnels, food storage spots, and a cozy little nesting chamber lined with leaves. Sometimes chipmunks take over tree cavities or old logs, especially…
Ever wondered if chipmunks actually live in England? Well, the answer might not be what you expect. You won’t find any native chipmunks in England, but a small group of Siberian chipmunks has been hanging around in the wild for a few decades now. These little striped guys didn’t start out in the British Isles,…
So, you got bitten by a chipmunk and now you’re wondering if you need a rabies shot. Honestly, most chipmunks don’t carry rabies, so you probably don’t need the vaccine. Small rodents like chipmunks almost never have rabies, so a rabies shot is rarely needed. Still, animal bites can cause infections or other problems. Clean…
Ever notice how chipmunks in cartoons or movies don’t really look like the animals you might spot in your backyard? They often have human-like faces, hands, and sometimes even sport little outfits. Artists design chipmunks this way, blending human and animal features, so it’s easier for us to relate to them and get pulled into…
Ever watched a chipmunk dart around and wondered what’s actually going into those chubby cheeks? Chipmunks—especially the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), which lives all over North America—love snacking on seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and even mushrooms. They stuff their cheek pouches with food and haul it back to their burrows for safekeeping during winter. You’ll…
If you’re dealing with unwanted mice or chipmunks, you’re probably wondering what smells can actually keep them at bay. Strong scents like peppermint, lavender, cinnamon, and clove can overwhelm their sensitive noses and drive these little pests away. Try using these smells around your home or garden to make the area less tempting for them….
Ever spotted a quick little striped critter darting across your yard? Maybe you’ve wondered how it stacks up against that bigger, bushy-tailed neighbor. When it comes to size, chipmunks are definitely smaller than squirrels—they usually measure about half the length and weight. Squirrels can get much larger, and their long, bushy tails just make them…