Hopi chipmunk

The Hopi chipmunk (Tamias rufus) is a species of small, striped, terrestrial squirrel belonging to the genus Tamias. These rodents are native to North America, with the Hopi chipmunk specifically inhabiting the buttes and canyonlands of the American Southwest.1

Chipmunks are characterized by their prominent eyes and ears, furry tails, and large internal cheek pouches used for carrying food. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and are adept climbers, often found in rocky terrain and forest understories. Their diet consists of seeds, berries, plants, fungi, insects, and sometimes carrion. They store food in burrows to sustain them through winter, as they do not accumulate significant body fat. While they experience periods of torpor, they are not considered true hibernators.1