What's the difference between a chipmunk and a ground squirrel?
Asked by
2davidc8 (
10189
)
September 1st, 2017
Is “chipmunk” just the slang word for ground squirrel?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
6 Answers
Both chipmunks and ground squirrels re in the same taxonomic family sciuridae. The markings are similar, but the ground squirrel’s stripes do not extend to the head.
Yes, in the same family but two completely different animals. Ground Squirrels are much larger and spend a lot of their time in their underground burrows when not foraging. Both species live in burrows but Chipmunks are more active above ground. Depending on species certain Ground Squirrels also have cheek pouches like Chipmunks that tree squirrels do not.
Both can carry the fleas that transmit Bubonic plague. In CA. here there are 4 subspecies of Ground Squirrels depending on geographic location.
Plus, chipmunks can sing in 3-part harmony….
Chipmunks look a lot like their larger brothers, the golden mantle squirrel, but chipmunks have small black and white stripes next to their eyes.
We were at Crater Lake National Park, OR, last week, and everyone was calling those cute critters running around “chipmunks”. Then I saw in the official park publication that those were actually “Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels”!
From your explanations, I can see how it’s easy to confuse them.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
