Ever wondered where chipmunks actually live? You might think they’re everywhere, but that’s not quite true. Chipmunks mostly make their homes in North America, though one species—the Siberian chipmunk—lives in parts of northern Asia.
So, if you’re in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you’ll probably spot these small, striped rodents nearby.
The Siberian chipmunk stands out as the only one living outside North America. It roams northern Russia and stretches into some parts of Asia, and even a bit of Europe.
Your chances of seeing a chipmunk in the wild really depend on where you are. Curious about which countries chipmunks call home and what makes them interesting? Let’s keep going.
Where Chipmunks Are Found Globally
Most chipmunks live in North America, but there’s that one unique type in Asia and a bit of Europe. You’ll find them in forests, mountains, and even urban parks.
They handle a variety of climates, and a few species have spread beyond their original homes.
North American Countries With Chipmunks
In North America, chipmunks pop up all over the United States and Canada. The eastern chipmunk, for example, lives in forests, woodlands, and even suburban neighborhoods.
These little rodents belong to the squirrel family, and you can spot them by their small size and striped backs.
There are about 25 species spread through the U.S. and southern Canada. They do best in places with lots of trees, shrubs, and hiding spots.
Chipmunks help spread seeds and serve as food for many predators.
The Range of the Siberian Chipmunk
The Siberian chipmunk is the only one that naturally lives outside North America. You’ll find it in northern Asia—mainly Russia, Siberia, parts of China, Korea, and northern Japan.
This species falls under the genus Eutamias.
Siberian chipmunks can handle cold climates and live in places like coniferous forests and mountains. They have a pattern of four white and five dark stripes on their backs.
Most of the time, they live alone, but in winter, they sometimes share burrows.
Recent Introductions and Expansions
Since the 1960s, people have brought Siberian chipmunks to parts of Europe as pets. Sometimes, these pets escaped or got released in countries like Belgium, France, Germany, and Great Britain.
Some of these chipmunks settled in urban parks and wooded spots. Their spread is pretty slow, and things like roads keep them from moving far.
They’re considered invasive in Europe, and some countries try to control their numbers.
Notable Absences Around the World
You won’t find chipmunks living naturally in South America, Africa, Australia, or most of Europe—except for those introduced Siberian chipmunks. They’re also missing from island continents like New Zealand.
So, if you’re in those places, don’t expect to see chipmunks in the wild. Their range stays limited by climate and habitat.
Even in Europe, where people introduced them, their numbers stay pretty small compared to their native homes.
Regional Habitats and Living Preferences
Chipmunks pick different places to live, depending on their species. Where they settle depends a lot on local food, shelter, and climate.
Some stick to forests, while others have gotten used to cities and gardens.
North American Environments
In North America, chipmunks usually live in wooded or rocky areas. The eastern chipmunk hangs out in forests and suburban parks across the U.S. and Canada.
They like spots with plenty of cover from predators, like shrubs or fallen logs. Chipmunks dig burrows underground, sometimes with tunnels stretching over 11 feet.
That keeps them safe and warm.
Some species, like western chipmunks, do well in mountains or dry regions. They collect nuts and seeds and stash them in their burrows for winter.
Eastern chipmunks hibernate, but western ones count on their food stores when it gets cold.
Asian and European Adaptations
Siberian chipmunks live mostly across northern Asia—from Siberia to China, Korea, and Japan. They’re the only chipmunks outside North America.
They’ve adapted to cold forests and often hibernate. Lately, Siberian chipmunks have started showing up in parts of Europe, especially in forested areas that feel familiar.
Their knack for adjusting to different climates helps them survive tough winters and find enough food, like seeds and insects. That makes them pretty flexible compared to some North American chipmunks.
Urban and Rural Living
You’ll spot chipmunks in both cities and the countryside. Urban chipmunks use gardens, parks, and backyard woods for food and shelter.
They climb trees to grab nuts like acorns and hazelnuts, but they mostly forage on the ground. Their big cheek pouches let them carry food back to their burrows or nests.
In rural areas, chipmunks stick to forests or mountain slopes, where they can find plenty of natural food and places to hide. Sometimes, around humans, they raid farms or gardens—and that can make them a bit of a pest.
Influence of Bird Feeders
Bird feeders really shape where chipmunks decide to hang out near people. They just love the easy access to seeds and grains.
You’ll probably notice chipmunks grabbing snacks from bird feeders, especially when winter hits and wild food disappears. That bonus food makes a tough season a bit easier for them, and honestly, it might even help them raise more babies once spring rolls around.
Got a bird feeder? Chances are, chipmunks will show up more than you’d expect. They’re pretty crafty—always stuffing their cheek pouches and dashing off before anyone notices.
