Ever spot a tiny striped rodent zipping through the grass and instantly think, “Chipmunk!”? Happens all the time. But honestly, that speedy little animal is often a ground squirrel, not a chipmunk.
The 13-lined ground squirrel gets confused for a chipmunk because of its stripes and similar size. Still, a few key differences set it apart.
Ground squirrels move quickly above ground. Unlike chipmunks, they don’t have facial stripes.
They sometimes stand their ground when frightened—chipmunks usually just bolt. Spotting these differences can make your outdoor walks a bit more fun, honestly.
If you’ve ever wondered how to tell these critters apart or just want to know what else looks like a chipmunk, stick around. Noticing the unique traits of chipmunk look-alikes might just change how you see these little mammals outside.
For more details about the 13-lined ground squirrel, here’s a guide to animals mistaken for chipmunks.
Animals Commonly Mistaken for Chipmunks
You spot a small striped rodent and immediately think “chipmunk,” right? But a bunch of ground squirrels look a lot like chipmunks too.
Some share the stripes but differ in size, markings, or even where they hang out. Knowing these details can help you figure out what you’re actually seeing.
Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel
People often mistake the golden-mantled ground squirrel for a chipmunk because of the stripes. Here’s the catch: this squirrel is way bigger—sometimes twice or three times as large as a chipmunk.
Its stripes run down the body but stop at the neck. Chipmunks have stripes on both their body and face.
Golden-mantled ground squirrels also have a thick, bushy tail. Chipmunks’ tails are slimmer.
You’ll find golden-mantled ground squirrels in western forests and rocky spots, usually hiding under logs or rocks. If you see a big, chunky striped rodent near your tent, odds are it’s this squirrel, not a chipmunk.
Antelope Squirrels
Antelope squirrels mostly live in desert regions. Unlike chipmunks, they have fewer stripes, and the stripes are much less obvious.
Their fur is usually gray or tan, which helps them blend in with the dry landscape. These squirrels run fast and stick to open ground.
They don’t have the bright stripes chipmunks do, but sometimes you’ll notice faint stripes on their back. Their tails are bushy but shorter than most tree squirrels.
If you’re in the Southwest and spot a little gray striped rodent, it’s probably an antelope squirrel, not a chipmunk.
Other Ground Squirrel Species
North America has lots of ground squirrel species, and quite a few look like chipmunks. The 13-lined ground squirrel, for example, has bold stripes along its back but none on its head.
It’s smaller than the golden-mantled ground squirrel but still bigger than a chipmunk. You’ll often see it racing through open grass.
These ground squirrels live underground and like open areas. Their body stripes help you tell them apart from chipmunks, which have more defined facial stripes.
If you see a striped critter dashing across a field instead of climbing trees, take a closer look—it’s probably a ground squirrel.
For more info, here’s a guide to 13-lined ground squirrels and some details on golden-mantled ground squirrels.
How to Tell Chipmunks Apart From Their Lookalikes
It’s easy to confuse chipmunks with ground squirrels or even tree squirrels. To spot the difference, pay attention to their stripes, how they carry food, and where they hang out during the day.
Physical Characteristics: Stripes and Colors
Chipmunks have clear stripes running from their head all the way down to their tail. These stripes include lines on their faces, usually above and below the eyes.
Ground squirrels have similar body stripes but usually don’t have facial stripes. You might notice a white ring around their eyes, which chipmunks lack.
Tree squirrels are bigger, with bushy tails and no stripes. Their colors range from gray to red or brown, but you won’t see those racing stripes like on chipmunks.
If you spot stripes that go all the way from the head to the tail, you’re probably looking at a chipmunk. There’s more on this at the Think Wild site.
Cheek Pouch Function and Feeding Habits
Chipmunks have expandable cheek pouches that can stretch to about three times the size of their heads. These pouches let them carry loads of food—seeds, nuts, fruit—back to their burrow.
You’ll probably see a chipmunk stuffing its cheeks in a hurry when collecting food. Ground squirrels don’t have cheek pouches as big or obvious.
They usually eat above ground and often forage in groups. Both animals eat similar things, but chipmunks focus more on hiding food for winter.
Their cheek pouches help them stash enough food to last through the cold months.
Habitats and Daily Behaviors
Chipmunks like wooded spots and areas packed with shrubs. These places help them hide out from predators.
They usually keep to themselves and dig out pretty complex tunnels underground. If a cat or coyote shows up, chipmunks dart back into their tunnels fast.
Ground squirrels pick more open spaces, like fields or rocky hills. You might spot one just standing there, not in any rush to run off.
They tend to live together in colonies and share their tunnels with others. It’s kind of social, honestly.
Tree squirrels, on the other hand, stick to the trees. They don’t bother hibernating.
You’ll see them in city parks or your backyard, especially if there’s a bird feeder nearby. Unlike chipmunks, tree squirrels skip the whole underground tunnel thing.
So, next time you see a little striped critter, pay attention to where it’s hanging out. That detail might just tell you if it’s a chipmunk or something else.
