Ever hear someone call a chipmunk a squirrel and wonder if Americans actually mix up these little critters? You’re definitely not alone. Chipmunks and squirrels both pop up all over North America, and honestly, they do look a bit similar at first glance.
But Americans usually don’t call squirrels chipmunks, even though chipmunks are technically a type of ground squirrel. The two have some pretty clear differences—think size, stripes, and how they act—that most folks notice right away.
Chipmunks are smaller, with stripes, and they stick to the ground more. Squirrels? They’re bigger and have those fluffy, bushy tails. Curious why people sometimes get the names mixed up, or want to know the main traits that set them apart? Let’s dig in.
Do Americans Confuse Squirrels With Chipmunks?
People in North America sometimes mix up chipmunks and squirrels, especially if they only get a quick look. Both are small rodents with stripes and tails that fluff out, so the confusion makes sense.
Still, their behaviors and looks have enough differences to help you tell them apart.
How Chipmunks Got Their Name
Chipmunks got their name from the sound they make. If you’re nearby, you might hear a sharp “chip-chip” noise. That little call makes it easier to tell them apart from squirrels, who make different sounds.
The word “chipmunk” comes from a Native American language, probably Ojibwe. It means “one who descends trees.” Chipmunks can climb, but they mostly stick to the ground. Squirrels, especially tree squirrels, spend way more time up in the branches.
Chipmunks show off bold stripes across their backs and faces. The eastern chipmunk, which lives in the eastern U.S. and Canada, sports five dark stripes down its back and one across each eye. Once you know what to look for, spotting them gets a lot easier.
Historical Regional Nicknames
Across North America, folks have used all sorts of local names for squirrels and chipmunks. Sometimes, people just call any small striped rodent a “chipmunk,” even if it’s really a ground squirrel.
In Canada and the northern U.S., the eastern chipmunk is well known and usually just called “chipmunk.” In other areas, especially where there are lots of ground squirrels, the names get a bit muddled. Some ground squirrels, like the 13-lined ground squirrel, look a lot like chipmunks but aren’t called that.
Local traditions and speech patterns play a big role in which names catch on. If you ask around, you might get totally different answers depending on the region.
Common Misconceptions in North America
A lot of people think all striped squirrels are chipmunks, but that’s not the case. Chipmunks are a type of ground squirrel, but they have their own genus. Not every ground squirrel has the facial stripes that chipmunks do.
Some folks mistakenly call big gray or black squirrels “chipmunks” because of similar habits. But chipmunks are much smaller—usually under 10 inches long—and have those cheek pouches for stashing food.
It’s easy to mix up chipmunks and the golden-mantled ground squirrel. Both have stripes on their bodies, but only chipmunks have stripes on their faces. Chipmunks also store food in their burrows and wake up in winter to snack, while many ground squirrels sleep right through the cold months.
Spotting these differences helps you figure out which little animal you’re watching in the backyard or on a hike. If you want to learn more, check out this chipmunks and ground squirrels guide.
Key Differences Between Squirrels and Chipmunks
Squirrels and chipmunks might look alike, but they’re pretty different. Their size, where they hang out, what they eat, and how they act all help you tell them apart.
Knowing these basics makes it easier to spot which rodent you’re seeing.
Physical Appearance and Size Distinctions
Squirrels are bigger—some reach 16 to 29 inches long, bushy tail included. Gray squirrels and fox squirrels can get pretty large, and their thick tails help them balance while jumping through trees.
Chipmunks, like the least chipmunk, stay much smaller at 7 to 10 inches long. They’ve got those signature stripes down their backs and don’t have the long, fluffy tails squirrels do. Their cheeks puff out when they’re storing food.
Chipmunks have a compact body, while squirrels look leaner and longer.
Habitats and Geographic Range
Squirrels and chipmunks often share the same neighborhoods, but they have their own preferences. Squirrels—like gray and fox squirrels—love forests with pine, oak, and hickory trees. They do just fine in suburbs, too, climbing bird feeders or digging through trash.
Chipmunks stick closer to the ground and dig burrows. You’ll spot them in conifer forests, rocky mountain spots, and places like British Columbia or Arizona. Least chipmunks mostly live in the west, while eastern chipmunks stick to the east. Neither lives in Hawaii.
Diet and Feeding Behaviors
Both eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. Squirrels have a broader diet—they might eat eggs or even tree bark if they’re desperate. They bury extra nuts and acorns for winter snacks.
Chipmunks eat similar things but sometimes add small reptiles or grains. They’re famous for stuffing their cheeks and carrying food back to their burrows, saving it for later.
You’ll usually see squirrels foraging up in trees, while chipmunks stay low to the ground.
Daily Activity and Behaviors
Both chipmunks and squirrels stick to a daytime schedule—they’re diurnal. Squirrels, though, tend to be the more social ones. You’ll hear them chirping, see them flicking their tails, and even stomping their feet when they get excited or annoyed. Some squirrel species stick together in groups and really defend their turf.
Chipmunks? They’re basically introverts. They spend most of their time alone in underground burrows. Sure, they’ll trill or whistle to communicate, but they mostly keep to themselves, except during mating season. It’s kind of fascinating—chipmunks can go into a light hibernation called torpor during winter. Their heart rate and breathing slow way down, which is something squirrels just don’t do.
You’ll usually spot squirrels racing through the trees, making the most of their agility. Chipmunks, on the other hand, stay low, zipping between bushes and sticking close to the ground.
Curious for more? Check out the differences between chipmunks and squirrels.
