Types of Chipmunk in South Dakota
South Dakota hosts two main chipmunk species: the widespread least chipmunk and the eastern chipmunk in the far east. Start by checking the Black Hills for least chipmunks and the Missouri River region for easterns. This guide covers identification, habitat, and where to find them.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
South Dakota has one main kind of chipmunk. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
- 8
- species recorded
- June, July, August
- peak months
The wider family, source iNaturalist
Other the squirrel family in South Dakota
Only one kind of chipmunk lives in South Dakota, so the useful question is which related animals share the state. 8 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 Black-tailed Prairie Dog, Least Chipmunk and Eastern Fox Squirrel. They are listed below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
4,684 verified observations on iNaturalist of chipmunk have been recorded in South Dakota, most often in June, July, August.
When chipmunk are recorded in South Dakota
South Dakota hosts two main chipmunk species: the widespread least chipmunk and the eastern chipmunk in the far east. Start by checking the Black Hills for least chipmunks and the Missouri River region for easterns. This guide covers identification, habitat, and where to find them.
1. What are the different types of chipmunks found in South Dakota?
You'll most likely encounter two species: the least chipmunk (*Tamias minimus*) and the eastern chipmunk (*Tamias striatus*). The least chipmunk is by far the most common and widespread, found across the state including the Black Hills and prairies. The eastern chipmunk is limited to the eastern edge of the state, near the Minnesota border. No other chipmunk species are expected in South Dakota.
See ourChipmunks guidefor the next step.
2. How can you tell a least chipmunk apart from an eastern chipmunk?
The easiest field marks are size and stripes. The least chipmunk is smaller (about 7-9 inches including tail) and has a more slender build. Its stripes are thinner and more numerous, with a pale stripe through the center of the back. The eastern chipmunk is larger (9-11 inches), stockier, and has a distinct dark stripe down the center of the back flanked by two pale stripes. Easterns also have a longer, less hairy tail.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
3. Where is the best place to see each type of chipmunk in South Dakota?
For least chipmunks, head to the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park. They thrive in rocky outcrops, pine forests, and sagebrush. For eastern chipmunks, visit the wooded areas along the Big Sioux River in the east, like Newton Hills State Park or Palisades State Park. The Missouri River can be a transition zone where both species overlap.
See ourChipmunks typesfor the next step.
4. When is the best time of year to spot chipmunks in South Dakota?
Chipmunks are active from early spring (March) through late fall (October). They hibernate during winter, so peak activity is May through September. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them foraging. In the heat of summer, they may be less active during midday.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What habitats do chipmunks prefer in South Dakota?
Least chipmunks are habitat generalists but favor open woodlands, rocky slopes, and sagebrush flats. Eastern chipmunks prefer deciduous forests with plenty of understory cover, like oak-hickory woodlands. Both species need nearby cover like logs, rocks, or leaf litter to escape predators.
6. How to identify chipmunks by their calls and behavior?
Chipmunks are vocal and often give sharp "chip" calls or trills when alarmed. The least chipmunk's call is a high-pitched, rapid series of chips, while the eastern chipmunk has a lower, slower "chuck-chuck" sound. Behaviorally, least chipmunks are more agile and climb trees frequently, whereas eastern chipmunks spend more time on the ground.
7. Show off your chipmunk sightings with chipmunk gear from Easy Street Markets
After a successful day of spotting chipmunks, you can grab some chipmunk-themed gear to remember the trip. Check out these options:
Chipmunk Quote T-Shirt
A fun tee with a chipmunk quote, perfect for wearing on your next wildlife outing.Check Price and Availability
Chipmunk T-Shirt
Classic chipmunk graphic tee, available in multiple sizes.Check Price and Availability
Waterproof Vinyl Chipmunk Sticker
Durable sticker for your water bottle or laptop, a great way to share your love for chipmunks.Check Price and Availability
Browse more wildlife apparel at ourt-shirt collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Are there any other chipmunk species in South Dakota?** No, the least and eastern chipmunks are the only two confirmed species. There are no records of the Uinta or Colorado chipmunks in the state.
**Do least chipmunks and eastern chipmunks live in the same area?** They can overlap along the Missouri River, but they usually use different microhabitats. Least chipmunks prefer drier, rockier areas while eastern chipmunks favor moister woodlands.
**How many chipmunks live in a typical South Dakota forest?** Populations vary, but chipmunks are common in suitable habitat. Least chipmunks can reach densities of 2-5 per acre in good habitat.
**What is the best way to attract chipmunks for viewing?** Chipmunks are curious and may come to bird feeders for sunflower seeds. Providing rock piles or log piles can also encourage them to visit your yard.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the different types of chipmunks found in South Dakota?+
You'll most likely encounter two species: the least chipmunk (*Tamias minimus*) and the eastern chipmunk (*Tamias striatus*). The least chipmunk is by far the most common and widespread, found across the state including the Black Hills and prairies. The eastern chipmunk is limited to the eastern edge of the state, near the Minnesota border. No other chipmunk species are expected in South Dakota. See ourChipmunks guidefor the next step.
2. How can you tell a least chipmunk apart from an eastern chipmunk?+
The easiest field marks are size and stripes. The least chipmunk is smaller (about 7-9 inches including tail) and has a more slender build. Its stripes are thinner and more numerous, with a pale stripe through the center of the back. The eastern chipmunk is larger (9-11 inches), stockier, and has a distinct dark stripe down the center of the back flanked by two pale stripes. Easterns also have a longer, less hairy tail. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
3. Where is the best place to see each type of chipmunk in South Dakota?+
For least chipmunks, head to the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park. They thrive in rocky outcrops, pine forests, and sagebrush. For eastern chipmunks, visit the wooded areas along the Big Sioux River in the east, like Newton Hills State Park or Palisades State Park. The Missouri River can be a transition zone where both species overlap. See ourChipmunks typesfor the next step.
4. When is the best time of year to spot chipmunks in South Dakota?+
Chipmunks are active from early spring (March) through late fall (October). They hibernate during winter, so peak activity is May through September. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them foraging. In the heat of summer, they may be less active during midday. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What habitats do chipmunks prefer in South Dakota?+
Least chipmunks are habitat generalists but favor open woodlands, rocky slopes, and sagebrush flats. Eastern chipmunks prefer deciduous forests with plenty of understory cover, like oak-hickory woodlands. Both species need nearby cover like logs, rocks, or leaf litter to escape predators.
6. How to identify chipmunks by their calls and behavior?+
Chipmunks are vocal and often give sharp "chip" calls or trills when alarmed. The least chipmunk's call is a high-pitched, rapid series of chips, while the eastern chipmunk has a lower, slower "chuck-chuck" sound. Behaviorally, least chipmunks are more agile and climb trees frequently, whereas eastern chipmunks spend more time on the ground.
Keep exploring
More places to see chipmunk
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