Types of Chipmunk in New Mexico
Yes, two main chipmunk species live in New Mexico: the Colorado chipmunk and the gray-collared chipmunk. Start your identification by focusing on the stripe patterns and collar color. For the best odds, head to pinyon-juniper woodlands or higher elevation mixed conifer forests.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
New Mexico has one main kind of chipmunk. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
- 8
- species recorded
- July, June, May
- peak months
The wider family, source iNaturalist
Other the squirrel family in New Mexico
Only one kind of chipmunk lives in New Mexico, so the useful question is which related animals share the state. 20 other members of the squirrel family have a verified record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to see, or mix up with a chipmunk, are Rock Squirrel, Gunnison's Prairie Dog and Abert's Squirrel. They are listed below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Other members of the squirrel family in New Mexico
| Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|
| Spotted Ground SquirrelXerospermophilus spilosoma | Xerospermophilus spilosoma | 151 |
| Cliff ChipmunkNeotamias dorsalis | Neotamias dorsalis | 148 |
| Texas Antelope SquirrelAmmospermophilus interpres | Ammospermophilus interpres | 132 |
| Rio Grande Ground SquirrelIctidomys parvidens | Ictidomys parvidens | 82 |
| Arizona Gray SquirrelSciurus arizonensis | Sciurus arizonensis | 50 |
| Gray-collared ChipmunkNeotamias cinereicollis | Neotamias cinereicollis | 40 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground SquirrelIctidomys tridecemlineatus | Ictidomys tridecemlineatus | 28 |
| Harris' Antelope SquirrelAmmospermophilus harrisii | Ammospermophilus harrisii | 16 |
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
9,424 verified observations on iNaturalist of chipmunk have been recorded in New Mexico, most often in July, June, May.
When chipmunk are recorded in New Mexico
Yes, two main chipmunk species live in New Mexico: the Colorado chipmunk and the gray-collared chipmunk. Start your identification by focusing on the stripe patterns and collar color. For the best odds, head to pinyon-juniper woodlands or higher elevation mixed conifer forests.
1. What are the most common chipmunk species in New Mexico?
New Mexico hosts two primary chipmunk species: the **Colorado chipmunk** (*Neotamias quadrivittatus*) and the **gray-collared chipmunk** (*Neotamias cinereicollis*). The Colorado chipmunk is widespread across the state, while the gray-collared chipmunk is confined to higher elevations in the northern mountains. Both are active during the day and often seen scampering around rocks and logs.
In New Mexico, chipmunks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How can I tell the difference between Colorado and gray-collared chipmunks?
The easiest way is to look at the nape of the neck. The gray-collared chipmunk has a distinct grayish collar behind the ears, while the Colorado chipmunk lacks this collar and has a more rufous (reddish) face. Also, the Colorado chipmunk has five dark stripes with pale stripes between them, whereas the gray-collared chipmunk's stripes are less defined. For a deeper dive into stripe patterns, check out ourchipmunk identification guide.
3. Where is each type most likely to be seen in New Mexico?
The **Colorado chipmunk** is widespread in pinyon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine forests, and rocky slopes throughout central and northern New Mexico, including areas near Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The **gray-collared chipmunk** is restricted to high-elevation mixed conifer and spruce-fir forests in the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and San Juan mountains. Look for them near talus slopes and downed logs. For more on New Mexico's wildlife habitats, seewildlife in New Mexico.
4. When is the best time to spot chipmunks in New Mexico?
Chipmunks are most active in early morning and late afternoon from spring through fall. They are less active during the heat of midday and may be dormant during cold winter months. In higher elevations, the active season is shorter, typically May through September. For specific trail recommendations, check out ourchipmunk spotting tips.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What are some key identification features to look for?
Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling rodents with five dark stripes on the back and a light stripe above and below the eye. They have cheek pouches for carrying food. The Colorado chipmunk has a reddish tail with black edges, while the gray-collared chipmunk's tail is more grayish. Observing behavior can also help: chipmunks often sit upright and dart quickly between cover. For a complete field guide, visit ouranimals hub.
6. What gear helps with chipmunk watching?
Good binoculars and a field guide are essential for identifying subtle differences. When you head out, consider wearing clothing that blends with the environment. If you want to celebrate your sightings, check out these chipmunk-themed items:
Chipmunk Quote T-Shirt
A fun way to show your appreciation for chipmunks. This tee features a playful chipmunk quote.Check Price and Availability
Waterproof vinyl chipmunk sticker
Perfect for laptops and water bottles. A cute reminder of your chipmunk encounters.Check Price and Availability
Chipmunk T-Shirt
A classic shirt with a simple chipmunk design. Great for casual wear.Check Price and Availability
For more wildlife apparel, browse ourt-shirt collection.
7. Are chipmunks in New Mexico active in winter?
Chipmunks enter a state of torpor during the coldest months but do not truly hibernate. They may emerge on warm winter days to retrieve food from caches. In lower elevations, they can be active year-round during mild spells. For more details on seasonal behavior, refer to ourNew Mexico wildlife page.
8. Do chipmunks carry diseases that I should worry about?
Chipmunks can carry fleas that transmit plague and other diseases, but the risk is low with proper precautions. Avoid handling chipmunks or feeding them directly. If you are bitten or scratched, clean the wound thoroughly and consult a doctor. For general safety tips, see ourchipmunk awareness guide.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common chipmunk species in New Mexico?+
New Mexico hosts two primary chipmunk species: the **Colorado chipmunk** (*Neotamias quadrivittatus*) and the **gray-collared chipmunk** (*Neotamias cinereicollis*). The Colorado chipmunk is widespread across the state, while the gray-collared chipmunk is confined to higher elevations in the northern mountains. Both are active during the day and often seen scampering around rocks and logs. In New Mexico, chipmunks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How can I tell the difference between Colorado and gray-collared chipmunks?+
The easiest way is to look at the nape of the neck. The gray-collared chipmunk has a distinct grayish collar behind the ears, while the Colorado chipmunk lacks this collar and has a more rufous (reddish) face. Also, the Colorado chipmunk has five dark stripes with pale stripes between them, whereas the gray-collared chipmunk's stripes are less defined. For a deeper dive into stripe patterns, check out ourchipmunk identification guide.
3. Where is each type most likely to be seen in New Mexico?+
The **Colorado chipmunk** is widespread in pinyon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine forests, and rocky slopes throughout central and northern New Mexico, including areas near Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The **gray-collared chipmunk** is restricted to high-elevation mixed conifer and spruce-fir forests in the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and San Juan mountains. Look for them near talus slopes and downed logs. For more on New Mexico's wildlife habitats, seewildlife in New Mexico.
4. When is the best time to spot chipmunks in New Mexico?+
Chipmunks are most active in early morning and late afternoon from spring through fall. They are less active during the heat of midday and may be dormant during cold winter months. In higher elevations, the active season is shorter, typically May through September. For specific trail recommendations, check out ourchipmunk spotting tips. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What are some key identification features to look for?+
Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling rodents with five dark stripes on the back and a light stripe above and below the eye. They have cheek pouches for carrying food. The Colorado chipmunk has a reddish tail with black edges, while the gray-collared chipmunk's tail is more grayish. Observing behavior can also help: chipmunks often sit upright and dart quickly between cover. For a complete field guide, visit ouranimals hub.
6. What gear helps with chipmunk watching?+
Good binoculars and a field guide are essential for identifying subtle differences. When you head out, consider wearing clothing that blends with the environment. If you want to celebrate your sightings, check out these chipmunk-themed items: ### Chipmunk Quote T-Shirt A fun way to show your appreciation for chipmunks. This tee features a playful chipmunk quote.Check Price and Availability ### Waterproof vinyl chipmunk sticker Perfect for laptops and water bottles. A cute reminder of your chipmunk encounters.Check Price and Availability ### Chipmunk T-Shirt A classic shirt with a simple chipmunk design. Great for casual wear.Check Price and Availability For more wildlife apparel, browse ourt-shirt collection.
7. Are chipmunks in New Mexico active in winter?+
Chipmunks enter a state of torpor during the coldest months but do not truly hibernate. They may emerge on warm winter days to retrieve food from caches. In lower elevations, they can be active year-round during mild spells. For more details on seasonal behavior, refer to ourNew Mexico wildlife page.
8. Do chipmunks carry diseases that I should worry about?+
Chipmunks can carry fleas that transmit plague and other diseases, but the risk is low with proper precautions. Avoid handling chipmunks or feeding them directly. If you are bitten or scratched, clean the wound thoroughly and consult a doctor. For general safety tips, see ourchipmunk awareness guide. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see chipmunk
More wildlife in New Mexico