Scientific Name: Tamias striatus
Phylum:  Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order:Rodentia
Family: Scuridae
Subfamily: Xerinae
Genus:  Tamias

Chipmunks found in your yard and garden are actually small stripped squirrels. East of the Mississippi your garden visitor will most likely be the Eastern Chipmunk, although other varieties do occur.  West of the Mississippi the chipmunks in your yard and garden could be one of 25 different species, excluding the Eastern, of this adorable little mammal!  Of the 25 species there are 13 species common to California.  Chipmunks are small and quick and can be a delight to watch in the yard.  However, they are quite the forager and find spring flowering bulbs, tulips in particular, irresistible!