The chipmunk's latin name (genus) of "tamius" means "storer" and that describes this little guy perfectly. He spends most of his time stuffing his cheeks with food, which he will hide in his burrow for winter eating. The name "chipmunk" most likely is a variation of an American Indian term ("chitmunk") for this little squirrel.
In addition to nuts and acorns, chipmunks eat fungi, worms, berries and insects; all of which are found in and around the woodpile.
Chipmunks create extensive burrows, which can be over 10 feet long underground. They keep their burrows clean, with special places dedicated to garbage (mostly shells from the nuts they eat) and special places to poop.
Male chipmunks live to be about 5 years old, females live to be about 10 years old. Females usually have babies twice a year (spring and late summer) and have litters of 4 or 5 babies at a time.
Chipmunks are quick and skittish, but also are very inquisitive. With a LOT of patience, you can train a chipmunk to eat nuts or seeds from your hand.
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