Mammal · GBIF taxon 2437432
Least Chipmunk
Tamias minimusAlso known as Little Chipmunk
Least chipmunks are lively, energetic rodents recognizable by their tiny size and bold facial stripes extending down their back to the base of the tail. They spend their days tirelessly gathering seeds, berries, and insects, carrying them in expandable cheek pouches to underground winter caches. When startled, they dart away with their tail held vertically while uttering a high-pitched, chipping alarm call.
DiurnalQuickStriped
Licensed referencePhil Armitage / Public domain · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Seeds
- Berries
- Insects
Predators
- Hawks
- Weasels
- Coyotes
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, severe wildfires, predation
HabitatsBoreal forests, sagebrush deserts, alpine meadows, open woodlands
Life span3–6 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilySciuridae
- SpeciesTamias minimus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a distance; do not handle as wild chipmunks may bite if threatened.
Responsible observation
- Patience: Sit quietly near brush piles or rocky outcrops where they actively forage.
- Feed Wisely: Avoid hand-feeding wild chipmunks to prevent dependence and potential bites.
- Listen Carefully: Watch for high-pitched, repeated chirps signaling a chipmunk alarm call.
Competitor (c) DaPuglet, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator Buteo_jamaicensis_1.jpg: Alan Vernon derivative work: Berichard (talk) / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
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