Siberian Chipmunk
| Latin name | Eutamias sibiricus |
|---|---|
| Class | Mammals |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| IUCN Status | Least Concern |
| Habitat | Woodland habitats |
| Distribution | Northern Asia and Japan |
General Information
Chipmunks are the smallest member of the squirrel family. The Siberian chipmunk is the only species found outside of North America and can be identified by the 5 distinct stripes along their back. Chipmunks are
omnivores eating a variety of nuts, fruit, grass and insects. They would also eat small frogs and birds eggs. They live in burrows where they cache food for survival over winter.
Lifespan: up to 9 years in captivity.
Fun Fact
Chipmunks have cheek pouches which they can fill with large amounts of food to carry to their larder or to eat in safety.
Keeper Notes
Our 3 female chipmunks were born at the zoo in 2012, they are friendly and inquisitive and love to take peanuts from the keepers at feeding time.