About Tamias striatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
This is a small species that reaches approximately 30 cm (12 in) in total length when including the tail, and weighs between 66 and 150 g (2.3–5.3 oz). Its upper body is covered in reddish-brown fur, and five dark brown stripes run along its back, contrasting with lighter brown stripes. Its tail is dark, and the fur on the lower part of its body is lighter in color. A tawny stripe runs from its whiskers to below its ears, and there are light stripes above its eyes. It has two fewer teeth than other chipmunk species. It has four toes on each front leg, and five toes on each hind leg. This chipmunk’s appearance stays consistent throughout its life. There is no external difference in appearance between males and females, except for the obvious anatomical characteristics of the genitalia during fertile periods. Molting occurs once or twice each year, taking place in May or June, and sometimes a second time in October. Both albino and melanistic specimens have been recorded, and these color variants do not show any specific geographical pattern. The eastern chipmunk inhabits deciduous wooded areas and urban parks across the eastern United States and southern Canada. It prefers habitats that include rocky areas, brush or log piles, and shrubs, which provide it with cover.
