Home Wildlife ​ Chipmunks Lifespan, Hibernation, Diet

Lifespan, Hibernation, Diet

Chipmunks are known for being cute little woodland creatures. They can be found in forests, areas dense with shrubbery, or other ground covers that are ideal places for chipmunks to scavenge while avoiding predators.

In the U.S., there are two types of chipmunks commonly encountered. These include the Eastern chipmunk and the least chipmunk. Least chipmunks have an expansive range across north-central and the western U.S. But you’ll only find Eastern chipmunks east of the Mississippi River.

Both species of chipmunks are diurnal. That means that these creatures are most active throughout the day and rest at night.

Chipmunk Lifespan

Chipmunks can give birth to one or two litters each year. Typically, both species breed in the spring. But the Eastern Chipmunk often breeds a second time in late summer to produce an additional litter.
 
For both types of chipmunks, the gestation period lasts approximately 30 days. At that point, the female may give birth to a litter of two to six kits. Newborn chipmunks are hairless. In time, their sealed eyes will open, and their ears will fully develop. Because chipmunks nest in burrows, you aren't likely to spot baby chipmunks until they look like smaller adults.
 
Although they can live longer in captivity, most wild chipmunks only live for two years.

Do Chipmunks Hibernate? 

Chipmunks do not hibernate! But you may rarely see these pests during winter. Instead, they try their best to avoid chilly conditions in a state of rest. Throughout the cold weather, chipmunks try to conserve energy. From late fall to early spring, the pests spend the majority of their time sleeping underground. But on warm days, chipmunks may wake up to forage for food outside.

Chipmunk Burrows

A chipmunk’s burrow is a key part of its existence. Chipmunks build elaborate burrows with nesting rooms and storage rooms. Throughout the warm months, the critters will spend their time building up stores of nuts and seeds to eat throughout the winter.
 
The hole to a chipmunk burrow may only be approximately one to two inches wide. It is not uncommon for the chipmunk to have multiple openings into its burrow system. In most cases, the chipmunk will have one entrance open and keep the others covered with leaves to deter unwelcome guests.
 
The entrance may be small. But the small openings can lead to an extensive system that may be up to three feet deep and 30 feet long. In colder months, the chipmunk will spend most of its time in the burrow. With a supply of food at the ready, they rarely venture out in the winter.

What Do Chipmunks Eat?

Chipmunks naturally eat nuts, seeds, mushrooms, berries, plant bulbs, insects, bird eggs, and snails. However, they may expand their palette in close proximity to humans if the opportunity arises. You may find chipmunks eating pet food from outdoor bowls and stealing seeds straight from bird feeders.

Additionally, these pests can become a nuisance if you have a garden. They will help themselves to any fruits and vegetables that are available. In a pinch, you may even find a chipmunk gnawing on your trees or any wooden structures, which can create scratches and tooth marks.
 
Depending on the amount of food available, you may find up to ten chipmunks per acre. That leaves a lot of room for destruction on your property.

 

indicates required field.

Get them out.
Keep them out.®

Experience wildlife or pest issue? We can help! Complete this form and your local Critter Control® office will contact you to assist.

 

Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

Quicklinks

Contact Form