The chipmunks that live in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains are some of the most adorable little creatures in North America. Some of them are grey, some of them are brown, and all of them with their cute little noses just love to dig.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

Chipmunks spend the winter underground and are fully “hibernated” where the metabolic rate is slowed to about 1/6 of its normal peak rate. During hibernation, chipmunks do not eat, drink, urinate or defecate. To stay alive, they slow their breathing and heart rate to avoid a buildup of carbon dioxide. They do not experience deep sleep but do have a lighter stage of sleep called light sleep in which they may be periodically active and can quickly become alert if disturbed while sleeping.

Chipmunks can be seen at night as they forage for food and scurry about to build their nests. They often will also sleep in trees, shrubs, and bushes. Mature chipmunks have round cheek pouches that allow them to carry away lots of food for storage.

How many chipmunks live in a burrow?

Many families of chipmunks live in a single burrow. The burrow is usually found within one to three feet of the ground, and the entrance can be located under rocks or logs. Chipmunks sleep during the day and leave the burrow to search for food at night in small family groups consisting of one male, two to three females, and they’re young. The alpha male determines where the burrow will be built, however, he lets his female mate determine when she is ready for nesting.

What’s the lifespan of a chipmunk?

On average, chipmunks have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. But this can vary greatly from one chipmunk to another. The size of the chipmunk, its gender, and the region it inhabits are among the factors that determine how long it will live.