What is the difference between a red squirrel and a chipmunk

The main distinguishing features are that chipmunks are generally smaller and have stripes on their faces. While squirrels are found all over the planet, except for the polar regions, chipmunks are confined to North America, apart from one species found in northeast Asia.

They have, however, been introduced into a few other areas. In places where both animals are present, it may sometimes be difficult to tell certain species apart. Like other rodents, both of these animals have four sharp incisors, used for gnawing, and flat back teeth, used for grinding hard food like nuts. They typically have four toes on each front foot, and five on each back foot. In areas where both are found, chipmunks are smaller, typically weighing only 2 to 4 ounces In terms of color, both are quite variable.

Chipmunks always have stripes, and while this is also true of many ground squirrels, they differ in that the stripes do not extend onto the face. These two types of rodent tend to prefer different habitats, although there is some overlap. Chipmunks are mostly found in forested areas, where they can find trees and bushes that provide fruit, nuts and seeds.

Take photos of your backyard visitors and ask a grown-up to upload them to iNaturalist. Other experts can help identify your animal from the picture. Hello, curious kids! Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsCanada theconversation.

Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live. Portsmouth Climate Festival — Portsmouth, Portsmouth. Edition: Available editions United Kingdom. Become an author Sign up as a reader Sign in. Chipmunks have a superpower: hibernation. Andrea Wishart , University of Saskatchewan. Range and Habitats: Range of Least Chipmunk. Range of Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel.

Range of Eastern Gray Squirrels. Facts: Eastern Gray Squirrel. More information: Chipmunk - Hinterland's Who's Who. Burke Museum's Mammals of Washington. References: Wilson, D. Reeder Maser, Chris. Corvalis: Oregon State University Press, Photos: Tim Knight; Natures Pics. Ground Squirrel Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel Spermophilus lateralis Ground squirrels are small striped mammals native to wooded and open rocky areas.

Tree Squirrel Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Tree squirrels are larger that chipmunks and ground squirrels.