Chipmunks in Maine: identification guide and where to start looking
Yes, chipmunks are common across Maine, especially in wooded areas with stone walls and underbrush. The eastern chipmunk is the only chipmunk species present in the state and is easily recognized by its distinctive five-striped back and facial markings. This guide covers the key field marks to look for, how to tell them apart from squirrels and other rodents, common behaviors that aid identification, and the best spots and seasons for confident sightings. if you are a wildlife photographer, nature hiker, or casual backyard observer, learning to identify chipmunks by sight and sound will enhance your outdoor experience.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 6
- species recorded
- June, July, August
- peak months
Lookalikes, source iNaturalist
How to tell a chipmunk from its lookalikes in Maine
Only one species of chipmunk lives in Maine, so the real question is telling it apart from its relatives. 6 other members of the squirrel family have a verified observation record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to confuse it with are American Red Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Eastern Gray Squirrel. Compare them below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Diet, source GloBI
What chipmunks eat
Recorded prey and food of the chipmunk, from the Global Biotic Interactions database, limited to species that occur in the United States. This is what chipmunks have actually been observed eating, not a list for any one place.
- American jumpseed
- beaked hazelnut
- Carolina Grasshopper
- Common Blue Mud-dauber Wasp
- Cornflower
- eastern black walnut
- Eastern Teaberry
- Maize
- mapleleaf viburnum
- Northern highbush blueberry
- Peanut
- red raspberry
- Scissor Grinder
- Siberian crabapple
Feeding records from the Global Biotic Interactions (GloBI) database. Common names resolved from iNaturalist.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
7,334 verified observations on iNaturalist of chipmunk have been recorded in Maine, most often in June, July, August.
When chipmunk are recorded in Maine
Yes, chipmunks are common across Maine, especially in wooded areas with stone walls and underbrush. The eastern chipmunk is the only chipmunk species present in the state and is easily recognized by its distinctive five-striped back and facial markings. This guide covers the key field marks to look for, how to tell them apart from squirrels and other rodents, common behaviors that aid identification, and the best spots and seasons for confident sightings. if you are a wildlife photographer, nature hiker, or casual backyard observer, learning to identify chipmunks by sight and sound will enhance your outdoor experience.
1. Where in Maine are chipmunks most often seen?
Chipmunks inhabit every county in Maine, from the southern coast to the northern woods. You will most likely encounter them in deciduous or mixed forests, along stone walls, in brushy fields, and around suburban gardens. Popular spots include Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and smaller patches like the Kennebec Highlands. They stick to areas with ample ground cover and nearby burrow sites. Stone walls are especially attractive because they provide both shelter and easy access to burrows. Even small suburban yards with shrubs and leaf litter can support chipmunk populations.
2. What is the best season and time of day for sightings?
Chipmunks are active from mid-March through November, with peak activity in April-May and September-October. They are diurnal, so morning hours (dawn through 10 a.m.) offer the best odds. On cool spring days they may stay active longer, but midday heat drives them underground. In winter they hibernate intermittently, rarely appearing above ground. Late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) can also be productive, especially in fall. Early autumn is ideal because chipmunks are gathering and caching food, so they are out for longer periods and more visible than in summer.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
3. How can you identify a chipmunk by its appearance?
The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is small, about 8-11 inches long including a 3-4 inch tail. Look for five dark stripes running down the back: one central stripe and two on each side, with pale stripes between them. The face has distinctive white stripes above and below the eyes, with a dark stripe through the eye. Its coat is reddish-brown to reddish-gray, and the underbelly is white or buff colored. The tail is slightly bushy but not as full as a squirrel's; it appears striped when viewed closely. The ears are rounded and stand upright. Chipmunks also have prominent cheek pouches, though these are only visible when filled with food or nesting material.
See ourChipmunks identifyfor the next step.
4. What animals are most often confused with chipmunks?
The main lookalike in Maine is the red squirrel. Red squirrels are larger (12-15 inches), lack the five back stripes, and have a reddish coat with white belly and ear tufts in winter. Gray and flying squirrels also lack chipmunk stripes and are considerably larger. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels have more spots than stripes and are not found in Maine. Voles and shrews are sometimes mistaken for chipmunks but are much smaller and lack the distinctive stripes. The surest way to separate chipmunk from squirrel is the combination of five back stripes and white facial stripes that are unique to chipmunks.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What should you listen and look for?
Chipmunks produce a sharp, repeated 'chip' call, especially when alarmed. They also make a low trill that sounds like a bird call. Watch for quick movements along stone walls, log piles, and under shrubs. Burrow entrances are about 2 inches wide, often hidden under rocks or roots. They frequently climb low branches but feed mainly on the ground, sometimes standing on hind legs to survey their surroundings. Fresh dirt mounds at burrow entrances indicate recent activity. Chipmunks often run with their tails held vertically, which can help distinguish them from squirrels.
6. Where should you start your search?
Start at the edge of a wooded area near a stone wall or a pile of brush. Listen for the chip call. Sit quietly for 10-15 minutes, scanning ground level. Bird feeders in yards or near picnic areas are reliable spots. In state parks, check along trail edges and around campgrounds. Early morning on a calm day gives the best chance. Areas with downed trees and leaf litter concentrate chipmunk activity because they provide both food and shelter.
7. How do chipmunk body proportions differ from similar rodents?
Chipmunks have a slender, streamlined body built for speed and burrowing. Their legs are proportionally shorter than those of tree squirrels, and their body sits lower to the ground. This ground-dwelling adaptation makes them appear more compact and less rangy than red or gray squirrels. Chipmunks have larger, more prominent eyes than voles or mice, positioned on the side of the head for all-around vision. Their ears are rounded and conspicuous, never tufted like a red squirrel in winter. The tail is less fluffy than a squirrel's tail; it lies mostly flat when the chipmunk is on the ground.
8. What seasonal changes occur in chipmunk appearance?
Chipmunks undergo two molts per year. In spring (April to May) they molt into a brighter, more reddish coat as they emerge from hibernation. In fall (August to October) they grow a denser, slightly darker coat in preparation for winter. These seasonal color shifts can be subtle but are noticeable if you observe the same individual over time. Juveniles born in late spring may retain a duller, grayer tone into their first autumn before developing adult coloration. Fur condition can also signal health and season: winter coats appear fluffier, while spring and summer coats are sleeker.
9. How do you tell a chipmunk from a ground squirrel?
Ground squirrels and chipmunks look superficially similar but can be distinguished by stripe patterns. Chipmunks have exactly five stripes on the back (one central, two flanking pairs) plus distinctive white stripes above and below each eye. True ground squirrels have nine or more stripes on the back and lack the pronounced facial stripes. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels, named for their 13 stripes, have spots rather than clear stripes. More importantly, ground squirrels do not occur naturally in Maine, so if you see a striped, small rodent in Maine, it is almost certainly a chipmunk.
10. What are the most useful field identification tips for confidence?
Use the stripe count as your primary check: five stripes on the back plus facial stripes equal a chipmunk. Watch for the characteristic 'chip' call and alert posture when disturbed. Note the small size (8-11 inches total, much smaller than gray squirrels which can reach 20 inches). Observe the burrowing behavior and the presence of cheek pouches (puffed cheeks are diagnostic). When you spot a candidate, observe for at least 15-30 seconds to confirm all the field marks. Photography or sketching can also help you lock in the details and review them later.
11. How do juvenile chipmunks differ from adults?
Juvenile chipmunks are noticeably smaller than adults and often appear duller in color, with less crisp stripe definition. They are typically born in late May to early June and first emerge from the burrow in late June or July. Juveniles are more skittish and less predictable than adults but easier to tell apart from squirrels because of their size difference. By late summer they are nearly adult-sized and fully striped. Observing family groups of adults and juveniles together is one of the easiest ways to learn chipmunk identification, as the size and behavior differences are marked.
12. Show your chipmunk sightings off with Easy Street Markets gear
Once you have nailed the identification, why not celebrate your spotting with a gift from Easy Street Markets? The **Chipmunk Quote T-Shirt** makes a fun choice for fans of these striped foragers. See the full collection at ourt-shirts page.
Chipmunk Quote T-Shirt
A playful tee featuring a chipmunk quote. Soft cotton, perfect for outdoor walks.Check Price and Availability
Chipmunk T-Shirt
Classic graphic tee with a chipmunk design, ideal for nature lovers.Check Price and Availability
Men's Chipmunk T-Shirt
A comfortable men's cut featuring a chipmunk illustration.Check Price and Availability
For more options, browse ourchipmunk-themed gear.
Waterproof vinyl chipmunk sticker, Cute animal lover gift, Great decal for laptops, kindles, and water bottles
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions
1. Where in Maine are chipmunks most often seen?+
Chipmunks inhabit every county in Maine, from the southern coast to the northern woods. You will most likely encounter them in deciduous or mixed forests, along stone walls, in brushy fields, and around suburban gardens. Popular spots include Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and smaller patches like the Kennebec Highlands. They stick to areas with ample ground cover and nearby burrow sites. Stone walls are especially attractive because they provide both shelter and easy access to burrows. Even small suburban yards with shrubs and leaf litter can support chipmunk populations.
2. What is the best season and time of day for sightings?+
Chipmunks are active from mid-March through November, with peak activity in April-May and September-October. They are diurnal, so morning hours (dawn through 10 a.m.) offer the best odds. On cool spring days they may stay active longer, but midday heat drives them underground. In winter they hibernate intermittently, rarely appearing above ground. Late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) can also be productive, especially in fall. Early autumn is ideal because chipmunks are gathering and caching food, so they are out for longer periods and more visible than in summer. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
3. How can you identify a chipmunk by its appearance?+
The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is small, about 8-11 inches long including a 3-4 inch tail. Look for five dark stripes running down the back: one central stripe and two on each side, with pale stripes between them. The face has distinctive white stripes above and below the eyes, with a dark stripe through the eye. Its coat is reddish-brown to reddish-gray, and the underbelly is white or buff colored. The tail is slightly bushy but not as full as a squirrel's; it appears striped when viewed closely. The ears are rounded and stand upright. Chipmunks also have prominent cheek pouches, though these are only visible when filled with food or nesting material. See ourChipmunks identifyfor the next step.
4. What animals are most often confused with chipmunks?+
The main lookalike in Maine is the red squirrel. Red squirrels are larger (12-15 inches), lack the five back stripes, and have a reddish coat with white belly and ear tufts in winter. Gray and flying squirrels also lack chipmunk stripes and are considerably larger. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels have more spots than stripes and are not found in Maine. Voles and shrews are sometimes mistaken for chipmunks but are much smaller and lack the distinctive stripes. The surest way to separate chipmunk from squirrel is the combination of five back stripes and white facial stripes that are unique to chipmunks. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What should you listen and look for?+
Chipmunks produce a sharp, repeated 'chip' call, especially when alarmed. They also make a low trill that sounds like a bird call. Watch for quick movements along stone walls, log piles, and under shrubs. Burrow entrances are about 2 inches wide, often hidden under rocks or roots. They frequently climb low branches but feed mainly on the ground, sometimes standing on hind legs to survey their surroundings. Fresh dirt mounds at burrow entrances indicate recent activity. Chipmunks often run with their tails held vertically, which can help distinguish them from squirrels.
6. Where should you start your search?+
Start at the edge of a wooded area near a stone wall or a pile of brush. Listen for the chip call. Sit quietly for 10-15 minutes, scanning ground level. Bird feeders in yards or near picnic areas are reliable spots. In state parks, check along trail edges and around campgrounds. Early morning on a calm day gives the best chance. Areas with downed trees and leaf litter concentrate chipmunk activity because they provide both food and shelter.
7. How do chipmunk body proportions differ from similar rodents?+
Chipmunks have a slender, streamlined body built for speed and burrowing. Their legs are proportionally shorter than those of tree squirrels, and their body sits lower to the ground. This ground-dwelling adaptation makes them appear more compact and less rangy than red or gray squirrels. Chipmunks have larger, more prominent eyes than voles or mice, positioned on the side of the head for all-around vision. Their ears are rounded and conspicuous, never tufted like a red squirrel in winter. The tail is less fluffy than a squirrel's tail; it lies mostly flat when the chipmunk is on the ground.
8. What seasonal changes occur in chipmunk appearance?+
Chipmunks undergo two molts per year. In spring (April to May) they molt into a brighter, more reddish coat as they emerge from hibernation. In fall (August to October) they grow a denser, slightly darker coat in preparation for winter. These seasonal color shifts can be subtle but are noticeable if you observe the same individual over time. Juveniles born in late spring may retain a duller, grayer tone into their first autumn before developing adult coloration. Fur condition can also signal health and season: winter coats appear fluffier, while spring and summer coats are sleeker.
9. How do you tell a chipmunk from a ground squirrel?+
Ground squirrels and chipmunks look superficially similar but can be distinguished by stripe patterns. Chipmunks have exactly five stripes on the back (one central, two flanking pairs) plus distinctive white stripes above and below each eye. True ground squirrels have nine or more stripes on the back and lack the pronounced facial stripes. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels, named for their 13 stripes, have spots rather than clear stripes. More importantly, ground squirrels do not occur naturally in Maine, so if you see a striped, small rodent in Maine, it is almost certainly a chipmunk.
10. What are the most useful field identification tips for confidence?+
Use the stripe count as your primary check: five stripes on the back plus facial stripes equal a chipmunk. Watch for the characteristic 'chip' call and alert posture when disturbed. Note the small size (8-11 inches total, much smaller than gray squirrels which can reach 20 inches). Observe the burrowing behavior and the presence of cheek pouches (puffed cheeks are diagnostic). When you spot a candidate, observe for at least 15-30 seconds to confirm all the field marks. Photography or sketching can also help you lock in the details and review them later.
11. How do juvenile chipmunks differ from adults?+
Juvenile chipmunks are noticeably smaller than adults and often appear duller in color, with less crisp stripe definition. They are typically born in late May to early June and first emerge from the burrow in late June or July. Juveniles are more skittish and less predictable than adults but easier to tell apart from squirrels because of their size difference. By late summer they are nearly adult-sized and fully striped. Observing family groups of adults and juveniles together is one of the easiest ways to learn chipmunk identification, as the size and behavior differences are marked.
Keep exploring
More places to see chipmunk
More wildlife in Maine