Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling creatures that are members of the squirrel family.
Despite there being 25 different species of chipmunks, the eastern chipmunks are the only one found in Maryland.
These creatures are relatively small, weighing between 2 to 5 ounces and growing up to 11 inches long. Eastern chipmunks have reddish-brown fur with alternating black and white stripes running down their back and face.
Habitat
Given their small stature, eastern chipmunk are commonly found forests, shrubs, meadows, fields, and other urban areas that provide abundant shelter from predators. Their most common predators include hawks, owls, snakes, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and even rats.
Within these areas, chipmunks will dig underground burrows that are typically 3 feet deep and 20 to 30 feet in length. These burrows are complete with food storage, nesting areas, escape tunnels, and side tunnels. On account of their small size, their burrows are not very big at all – most tunnels are only 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Advantages
Eastern chipmunks spend the majority of their time on the ground foraging for food. These creatures have cheek pouches that expand up to 3 times their normal size, allowing them to store extra food before taking it home.
Chipmunks are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal material. This includes seeds, nuts, berries, leaves, mushrooms, as well as earthworms, snails, butterflies, and worms.
Unknowingly, the chipmunk’s diet allows it to play an important ecological role. By gathering and burying seeds, they aid in the spread and growth of trees and other plants. In addition to seeds, chipmunks also help spread the specific type of fungi needed to help trees survive.
Disadvantages
While they are crucial to the growth and development of the environment, chipmunks do not always have such a positive on humans.
Chipmunk holes and burrows can lead to structural problems, especially if they are beneath a home, yard, or building. These holes can also result in serious injury if an individual or pet steps into it.
Aside from digging, chipmunks also have a tendency to chew through everything and anything in their way, including bulbs, roots, wires, pipes, and cables. For such a small, innocent-looking animal, the eastern chipmunk has the ability to ruin gardens, yards, homes, and entire electrical systems.
Have A Chipmunk Problem? Call the Experts at Shumaker Animal Control
If you think you have a chipmunk problem on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that your home and pets are not in any danger.
At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves. All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal.
Call us at 443-854-8072, visit our website or fill out our contact form for more information.