where do chipmunks live

Chipmunks primarily live in North America, with about 25 species present, except for the Siberian chipmunk which is found in Asia. They inhabit a wide range of habitats including deciduous forests, fields, mountains, plains, and even deserts. Chipmunks prefer areas with thick brush, rock piles, logs, and ample cover which provide shelter from predators. They are commonly found in forests, woodlots, suburban yards, and urban parks. Instead of sleeping in trees like some squirrels, chipmunks mostly live underground in burrows. These burrows can be quite elaborate, reaching depths of up to 3 feet and lengths up to 30 feet with multiple chambers for storing food, nesting, and drainage to prevent flooding. They make burrows in a variety of environments, from forest floors to suburban areas under structures such as garages and sheds. Species like the eastern chipmunk inhabit the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, while the least chipmunk lives in the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and parts of Canada. Chipmunks are solitary animals and maintain overlapping home ranges centered around their burrows. Their habitats range from dense forests to edge areas near clearings, streams, and rocky cliffs. In summary, chipmunks live in diverse habitats across North America, primarily in forested or brushy areas, and make underground burrows for shelter and food storage.