Scientific name: _Tamias striatus_
Lifespan: 3-4 years in the wild
Size: 5-10 inches long
Weight: 1-2 ounces
Diet: Nuts, seeds, berries, insects, and other small animals
Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and meadows
Behavior: Chipmunks are solitary animals that are active during the day. They live in burrows that they dig themselves and are very territorial. Chipmunks are vocal animals that make a variety of sounds, including a high-pitched chirp.
Reproduction: Chipmunks breed once or twice a year, with the first litter being born in the spring and the second litter being born in the summer. The average litter size is 4-6 pups. The pups are born blind and helpless, but they grow quickly and are able to leave the burrow on their own after about 6 weeks.
Predators: Chipmunks are preyed on by a variety of animals, including owls, hawks, snakes, and foxes.
Interesting facts:
* Chipmunks have expandable cheek pouches that they use to store food.
* Chipmunks can carry up to 1/2 of their body weight in their cheek pouches.
* Chipmunks have very keen eyesight and hearing, which helps them to avoid predators.
* Chipmunks are very curious animals and are often seen exploring their surroundings.
* Chipmunks are important seed dispersers, and they play a role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.