This week our friends at Homeschool Nature Study are chatting up mammals. We’ve been busy watching our neighborhood squirrels. And wondering about their adorable cousin the chipmunks. Unfortunately, we only see them when we’re hiking up in the mountains.
Out here in Colorado we have fox squirrels who love to climb up the bird feeder and tear apart the suet. Just when I finally have some woodpecker company, “Sam the Squirrel” scares them all away. I eventually sprayed some coconut cooking oil on the pole and enjoyed watching him slide down like a volunteer fire fighter. We wondered why we have never seen a chipmunk, the squirrels’ cousin, up in a tree. Naturally these questions must be answered using my favorite Similar Yet Different Worksheet.
Squirrels vs. Chipmunks
Obviously, size and markings are a big difference between squirrels & chipmunks. Plus, chipmunks have been known to become detectives and they are absolutely my favorite Disney characters!
We learned far more about these animals than just their markings, we learned the difference in habitat, diet, hibernation, and public opinion. We don’t see chipmunks in trees as often as squirrels because they dwell in the ground, taking after their groundhog & prairie dog side of the family. While squirrels nest high in trees. Usually taking over spots woodpeckers have made.
I didn’t realize their diets were different. Although they are both considered omnivores, chipmunks aren’t picky, at all. They literally come right up to you and put their sweet little tiny paws out for something to eat. How can a decent human being resist the cuteness?! Squirrels stick to mainly an herbivore diet but will eat insects, moths, and beetles while chipmunks … well, they’re a bit more hard core.
They will eat worms, bird eggs, and even baby mice. Cuteness in disguise. Chipmunks also enjoy a form of meditation hibernation. Torpor – for animals who sleep longer / heavier during the colder months. Not hibernation like a bear. Squirrels get zero naps – they are active all year long.
We learned squirrels will nest in attics and eat through power lines. Which unfortunately gives them a bad reputation and are considered pests. While the chipmunk sticks to his habitat like a good boy and is considered adorable – unless he decides to form a pop rock trio and annoy his owner Dave.
Join the #outdoorhourchallenge and learn more about the animals in your neck of the woods!
