How can I tell the difference between chipmunks and squirrels? Do all chips have stripes?

Question

I'm trying to win an argument with my dad, so I need proof of sort. We have this "chipmunk" with _no_ stripes, but body/tail shape of a true chipmunk. It also stuffs itself and its cheeks, unlike the squirrels I've observed. My dad says its a squirrel. Its tail is small and fairly straight, with a tiny curve at the end.

I've researched on the net, but can find only chips with stripes. Anyone? (I would really, for once, like to win an argument with my dad! lol)


Thanks!

I live in Northern Ontario. I've seen the striped ones, and the non-striped ones, as well as these massive squirrels! I appreciate all answers, even though it looks like I may lose this one. Sigh. lol!

Answer 1

Well, you're not going to win this argument. Check out this link (http://www.montereybay.com/creagrus/chipmunks.html) about North American chipmunks, which says: Chipmunks are small striped squirrels (genus Tamias) in North America. The first thing for a field observer to recognize is that a chipmunk is different from the only other squirrel that is vaguely similar, the Golden-mantled Ground-Squirrel. That colorful squirrel is widespread and easily visible in wooded open country in the mountains throughout western North America. Note that although the Golden-mantled Ground-Squirrel has black-and-white body stripes it lacks any stripes on the face. It is not a chipmunk. All chipmunks have facial stripes.

So yours is probably some type of ground squirrel. Check out this site (http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/view_default.asp?searchText=squirrel&curPageNum=4) for some possibilities (with photos), so maybe you can ID it. Hope that helps!

Answer 2

What you saw was probably a brown ground squirrel. Chipmunks are the ground squrrels with white stripes. The obvious difference from true squirrels is the size, body shape and tail structure. If this is indeed what you saw, then yes it is a chipmunk of a different subspecies. In your search, try looking for ground squirrels rather than chipmunks, since the term "chipmunk" is actually refering to the striped breed.

Answer 3

All chipmunk species have stripes. Both squirrels and chipmunks have cheek pouches... Sorry to say but I think your Dad wins this round because what you saw is most likely a squirrel. Since I also live in Northern Ontario I would guess what you saw is a Red Squirrel, they look very similar to chipmunks in color and shape except they have no stripes. I have both species around my house that eat from my birdfeeders and stuff thier cheeks, they look quite alike until you see the stripes. Red squirrels also love to eat green pinecones, which they will stuff in thier cheeks if its small enough.


http://www.wildphotosphotography.com/WildPhotos/MAMMALS/GalleryM1/red%20squirrel.jpg
http://www.wildlife-sound.org/pictures/american-red-squirrel.jpg
http://www.hlasek.com/foto/sciurus_vulgaris_11182.jpg

Answer 4

Sorry, you lose. I'm pretty sure all chipmunks have stripes somewhere. Without knowing where you live, it's hard to narrow it down. The easiest thing to do would be to find a mammal field guide and page through there to figure out what you have. I'm sure libraries or bookstores would have one. Otherwise you can keep looking online, www.enature.com is an idea. Sounds like you might have a red squirrel to me, but I have no idea where you live.

Answer 5

I have a chipmunk by my house with no stripes. I am 69 and very familiar with chipmunks and squirrels.

Answer 6

A squirrel is larger, has no stripes, and a large, long, fluffy tail. A chipmunk is smaller, generally tan with a white underbelly and black and white stripes running horizontally down its sides, and has a very small little tuft of a tail.

Answer 7

chips have black and white stripes on a brown body- they are also tiny with a small tail... squirrels are big and fluffy with long tails... i think u guys saw a red squirell... they are small like a chipmunk but have a longer tail then them...t hey have no stripes and look redish (thus the name :P)

Answer 8

Simple! Chipmunks have names like people:
Chip, Dale, Chuck

While Squirrels have names like old gangsters:
Slappy, Nuttzy, Lefty, etc.