Alpine Chipmunk
As their name suggests, the Alpine Chipmunk (Tamias alpinus) is native to high elevations. More specifically, these chipmunks are native to the Sierra Nevada of California. They have been found in elevations from 2,300 meters to 3,900 meters.
Alpine Chipmunks are very light, weighing only about 40 grams. They are a light brown in color, with 5 white stripes running along their back, and three white stripes on their cheeks.
The Alpine Chipmunk will scrounge around the ground looking for food, which consist of seeds from various types of plants. Their food source is normally also good for water, but they will drink standing water when needed.
These chipmunks are diurnal, but show some nocturnal behavior during the warmer seasons. They semi-hibernate through the winter, briefly waking to eat. Alpine Chipmunks create their nests in crevices in rock formations because of the heat generated in the micro-climate.
Alpine Chipmunk Statistics
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Average Weight: 40 grams
Litters: 3-6 young
Alpine Chipmunk Classification
| - Kingdom: Animalia |
| - Phylum: Chordata |
| - Class: Mammalia |
| - Order: Rodentia |
| - Family: Sciuridae |
| - Genus: Tamias |
| - Species: Tamias alpinus |