
On the other hand, chipmunks are strongly associated with forests, as these animals typically prefer heavily wooded or coniferous environments with plenty of refuge and hiding places. Squirrels can move freely between tree branches and through hollow cavities such as attics or walls inside buildings. They are adept at adapting to different environments by changing their diets accordingly.Īdditionally, squirrels are adapted to living in multiple levels of the environment, unlike chipmunks which remain on the floor level near trees for protection from predators. While most squirrels inhabit woodlands and forests like chipmunks do, they can also live in deserts, grasslands, tundra regions, and even urban areas. Squirrels have a more diverse range regarding habitat selection. Still, there are key differences in their habitat preferences. Both species primarily live in forested areas with plenty of food and shelter. #2 Fur coatĬhipmunks and squirrels often make their homes in various habitats.

While both species share many similarities related to size, there are clear distinctions that make chipmunks different from their larger cousins - namely, their much smaller bodies, shorter tails, and greater agility, which allow them access to certain unsuitable environments for squirrels. In contrast, squirrels must rely on larger cavities like tree hollows or dens made from branches and twigs.Īdditionally, the small size of chipmunks makes them better suited for squeezing into tight spaces while searching for food sources buried underground or deep inside logs or crevices created by rocks and fallen trees. The difference in tail lengths is likely due to lumbering movement patterns which require more balance and stability when maneuvering through trees or over difficult terrain chipmunks move quickly along the ground, so they don’t need such adaptations for balance and stability.įurthermore, their smaller size allows chipmunks to fit into more secluded areas for shelter or nesting purposes. Meanwhile, a chipmunk’s tail is usually less than half that size – only 3 to 4 inches long on average. A typical adult squirrel has a tail of anywhere from 6 to 8 inches long.

In addition, chipmunks have shorter tails than their larger counterparts. It means that chipmunks are roughly one-third to one-sixth the size of an average squirrel. On the other hand, squirrels can range from 16 to 21 inches in length and weigh as much as 1 – 1.5 pounds. They measure 8 to 10 inches long and weighing around 2 to 5 ounces. Chipmunks tend to be much smaller than squirrels. squirrel! #1 SizeĬhipmunks and squirrels are both small rodents, but there are some differences in their size. While both creatures are small, you can still tell these animals apart by their abilities – let’s compare the chipmunk vs. The chipmunk and the squirrel are two very different animals, though they may look similar at first glance. Squirrels live for 5-10 years in captivity. They typically live for 2-5 years in the wild. Squirrels inhabit live in deserts, grasslands, tundra regions, and urban areas. Gray in color with a darker tail and a white chest. Reddish brown with a white belly and distinct stripes on their backs. Squirrels measure 16 to 21 inches in length. In contrast, ground squirrels have wide-spreading populations across the globe and live their lives deep within their den holes.įurther variants include marmots, tree squirrels, and even more exotic species like those living in tropical forests – all of which have unique abilities in adapting and living life on earth as one of nature’s furry residents! Comparison Chart FeaturesĬhipmunks are smaller than squirrels, measuring 8 to 10 inches long Red squirrels boast red fur with a white belly and are mostly located in Eurasia.

It has adaptations like a parachute-like membrane that allows them to glide from tree to tree quite effectively. The flying squirrel is also prevalent in certain areas. Grey squirrels are one of the most commonly seen members of the family Sciuridae with their gray fur and white bellies, these creatures can be spotted romping in yards across all of North America.

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