Ever watched a chipmunk dart across your yard and wondered what fruit it loves most? Honestly, these little guys seem to go wild for berries—think strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
They’re drawn to fruits that taste sweet, are easy to carry, and grow close to the ground. That’s pretty convenient, right?
But chipmunks don’t stop at berries. Apples, pears, peaches, and even watermelon end up on their menu if they can find them.
If you want to attract these curious creatures—or, honestly, protect your garden—knowing their fruity favorites can really help.
As you poke around and learn about chipmunks’ eating habits, you’ll notice how they pick their food and what catches their attention. There’s a lot to discover about their choices and how to keep your harvest safe from their tiny paws.
What Is a Chipmunk’s Favorite Fruit?
Chipmunks enjoy plenty of fruits that give them important nutrients. They go for fruits that are sweet, ripe, and easy to grab.
You might be surprised by what they pick most often. Sometimes they ignore what we’d expect and go for something totally different.
Fruits Chipmunks Love Most
Strawberries, apples, and berries top the list for chipmunks, especially when the fruit is sweet and ripe. Their noses are pretty sharp, so they sniff out the best snacks hiding under leaves or bushes.
Here are a few of their favorites:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Apples
Strawberries really stand out. Chipmunks skip the sour, unripe ones and wait for the juicy, sweet berries. These treats give them a burst of vitamins and energy to power through their busy days.
Mulberries: A Seasonal Favorite
Mulberries make chipmunks extra happy during the summer. These berries grow on trees and turn soft and sweet when they’re ready.
You’ll spot chipmunks climbing low branches just to reach mulberries. They always pick the darkest, ripest ones for a quick energy boost.
During mulberry season, chipmunks might spend more time munching these berries than anything else.
How Chipmunks Gather and Eat Fruit
When chipmunks find fruit, they often stash some away for later. They use their cheek pouches to carry small fruit back home.
Once they’re safe in their burrow, they’ll eat the fruit or hide it underground for another day.
Chipmunks move fast and stay alert. They usually pick fruit early in the day to dodge hungry predators.
Besides fruit, chipmunks also eat nuts and seeds to keep their diet balanced. Watching them gather fruit can be surprisingly entertaining—they’re quick and clever little foragers.
Want to see more about how chipmunks pick and collect their food? Check out their diverse diet including fruits and nuts.
Other Fruits and Foods in a Chipmunk’s Diet
Chipmunks eat more than just their top-choice fruits. You’ll catch them snacking on a mix of sweet berries and orchard fruits.
If you’ve got a pet chipmunk, giving it a variety of foods can keep it happy—and maybe a little spoiled.
Berries and Orchard Fruits
Berries like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are chipmunk favorites. They’re small, juicy, and packed with natural sugars, so chipmunks can snack easily.
Orchard fruits such as apples and pears also make great treats. Chop them into little pieces, and your chipmunk will probably thank you.
Peaches, cherries, and grapes are tasty too, but it’s better to feed these in moderation. Always skip the seeds or pits since those can be dangerous.
Fresh fruit gives chipmunks vitamins and moisture, which is super important whether they’re wild or living with you.
Special Treats and Variety for Pet Chipmunks
If you’ve got a pet chipmunk, you’ll want to mix things up in their diet. Besides fruit, toss in some nuts, grains, or maybe veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Try out treats like dried apricots or a handful of beansprouts. Just make sure every treat is unsalted and plain—no weird additives.
You might want to offer rodent pellets made especially for chipmunks. And of course, always keep fresh water handy so your little buddy stays hydrated.
Switching up their food keeps chipmunks curious and happy.
If you’re curious about what chipmunks love to eat in the wild, take a look at A-Z Animals.
