8 NEBRASKAland • DECEMBER 2017
A Mammal
Brief
By Lindsay Rogers
Easily identified by the five solid stripes
on their back and reddish-brown rump, the
Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is found
throughout most of the eastern United
States, including eastern Nebraska. The
only other chipmunk species in Nebraska –
the least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) – is
found in the northern Panhandle.
The Eastern chipmunk is a primarily
ground-dwelling squirrel which feeds
on seeds, nuts and fruit. Their diet is
supplemented by insects, earthworms,
slugs, bird's eggs and mushrooms. They will
carry food in their cheeks and often cache
or store food throughout their range. They do not
hibernate, but rather enter a state of torpor where they will sleep for
several days or weeks but wake to feed throughout the winter months.
During their active periods in the winter they will feed on cached food.
They are extremely vocal and can be heard making a series of chirps or their
high-pitched alarm call. ■
Lindsay Rogers is an outdoor
education specialist with the
Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission.
PHOTO
BY
JOEL
SARTORE