Chipmunk native habitat includes deciduous forests, woodlots and wood edges as well as around homes in rural and suburban areas.  In mountainous ranges they live in forested areas quite well.  Some species live in above ground nests, while most create burrows to live in (under ground homes) that can range in length from 20 - 30 feet and be very elaborate.  The burrows will often contain a nesting chamber, several food storage chambers, and several escape tunnels-just in case!  They also find garden walls very attractive which have been known to house scores of chipmunks at one time!

Chipmunk Habitat-Range

All but one species of chipmunk, the Siberian Chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus) of Asia, are native to North America with a habitat range extending from the northern borders of Mexico into the northern parts of the United States. The following table illustrates the general range of the many species of North American chipmunks:

Chipmunk Habitat-Climate

Chipmunk climate requirements allow for an extensive range through the northernmost parts of western Canada.  If you have chipmunks in your yard you may have noticed that they tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours.  This is because they prefer cooler temperatures.

Chipmunk Habitat-Soils

Soil requirements are not specific most likely because the burrows of chipmunks are not very deep, while some chipmunks nest above ground. Although you will be hard pressed to find chipmunks in soils that are waterlogged for any period of time. The geophysical structure of the North American continent and its climate are ideal chipmunk habitat.