least chipmunk

The least chipmunk is a small, striped rodent belonging to the squirrel family (Sciuridae) and the order Rodentia. Chipmunks are characterized by their large cheek pouches, used for carrying food, prominent eyes and ears, and furry tails.12

While most chipmunk species are found in North America, the least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) is one of the smallest, weighing about half as much as the eastern chipmunk. These terrestrial squirrels are active during the day and inhabit diverse environments, from forests to deserts, often near rocky terrain. They primarily eat seeds, berries, plants, fungi, and insects, storing food in burrows for winter sustenance. Chipmunks experience periods of torpor during colder months, relying on their stored food.1