Least Chipmunk
Least chipmunks are found throughout North America, occupying much of the Rocky mountain region and the western Great Plains of the United States. In addition, they are found throughout central and western Canada and in parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. Least chipmunks are found throughout the boreal and temperate forests of North America. However, least chipmunks prefer more open areas such as forest edges and openings. They are also commonly found near rock cliffs, river bluffs, and open jack pine stands.
Least chipmunk
Least chipmunks are the smallest of all chipmunks. Body length ranges from 185-222 mm. There are three dark and two light stripes on the face and five dark and four light stripes along their sides. The middle stripe runs to the end of the tail. Dorsal background fur is orangish brown, and ventral coloration is grayish white. The tail is bushy and long, ranging from 81-95 mm, and is pale brown in color.
Reproduction
Individuals become sexually mature at 10 months of age. Most mating occurs in April when first emerge from hibernation. Gestation lasts approximately 30 days. Litter size varies from two to six young. There is normally a single litter during the breeding season, although females may retry if the first litter is lost. Newborns are naked and pink in color, measuring 50 mm in length and weighing an average of 2.25 g. Lactation lasts approximately 60 days and offspring remain with the parents for six weeks or longer.
Behavior
Least chipmunks are adept climbers. Some individuals construct nests high above the ground. Chipmunks will climb trees in order to warm themselves in the sun during period of cool weather. Least chipmunks are most active between April and October.
Nests are built seasonally, with summer homes being constructed from leaves and bark in rotting logs and tree cavities. Winter nests are located in underground burrows that consist of dried grass, bark, fur, feathers and soft vegetation. With the onset of cold weather, chipmunks retire to these burrows, where they enter torpor and live off stored food until spring. Least chipmunks are territorial and will defend their nests from invaders. They are diurnal.
Food Habits
Least chipmunks eat a wide variety of foods including nuts, berries, fruits, grasses, fungi, snails, insects and possibly some small birds and mammals. From April through October, much of their time is spent foraging. Least chipmunks forage both on the ground and in trees at heights up to 9 m. Cheek pouches allow individuals to carry back multiple food items to the burrow, where they are either eaten or stored for future use.
In captivity they should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate, fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without extra waste.
