Do you have an idea of which states have the most chipmunks? They are small, striped rodents found across North America. They are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to store food. In the United States, chipmunk species are spread unevenly across states. Here, we explore the top 20 states with the most chipmunk species.
20. Alabama
Species Count: 2
Alabama is home to the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. The Eastern chipmunk has a vibrant reddish-brown fur with distinctive white stripes. It is the only living member of the genus Tamias.
19. Connecticut
Species Count: 2
Connecticut hosts two species of chipmunk, namely the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. Eastern chipmunks often create burrows that can be more than 30 feet long.
18. Delaware
Species Count: 2
In Delaware, you will find the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. The Least chipmunk is the smallest of all chipmunk species in North America.
17. Florida
Species Count: 2
Florida also has both the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. These two creatures prefer wooded areas with ample ground cover for their long burrows.
16. Georgia
Species Count: 2
Georgia’s chipmunk population includes the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. Chipmunks hibernate during winter, though they occasionally wake to snack.
15. Illinois
Species Count: 2
Illinois is home to the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. Generally Eastern chipmunks are known for their distinctive chirping sounds.
14. Indiana
Species Count: 2
In Indiana, you can spot the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. Evidently these creatures are excellent climbers, often seen scaling trees in search of food.
13. Iowa
Species Count: 2
Iowa hosts the Eastern chipmunk and the Least chipmunk. Moreover chipmunks have pouches inside their cheeks where they store food to bring back to their burrows.
12. Utah
Species Count: 3
Utah has the Least chipmunk, Cliff chipmunk, and Uinta chipmunk. The Uinta chipmunk is known for living in high-altitude areas, such as the Rocky Mountains.
11. Oregon
Species Count: 3
In Oregon, you’ll find the Yellow-pine chipmunk, Townsend’s chipmunk, and Least chipmunk. Townsend’s chipmunk is unique to the Pacific Northwest region.
10. Oklahoma
Species Count: 3
Oklahoma is home to the Eastern chipmunk, Colorado chipmunk, and Least chipmunk. Generally the Colorado chipmunk is known for its striking white stripes and vibrant fur.
9. Wyoming
Species Count: 4
Wyoming has the Yellow-pine chipmunk, Least chipmunk, Cliff chipmunk, and Uinta chipmunk. Moreover the Yellow-pine chipmunks are often found in coniferous forests.
8. Washington
Species Count: 4
Evidently washington hosts the Least chipmunk, Townsend’s chipmunk, Red-tailed chipmunk, and Yellow-pine chipmunk. Red-tailed chipmunks are named for their distinctive red-tinted tails.
7. Montana
Species Count: 4
Undoubtedly Montana’s chipmunk species include the Yellow-pine chipmunk, Least chipmunk, Red-tailed chipmunk, and Uinta chipmunk. The Least chipmunk is known for its rapid movements and agility.
6. New Mexico
Species Count: 5
Comparatively in New Mexico, you will find the Gray-footed chipmunk, Gray-collared chipmunk, Cliff chipmunk, Least chipmunk, and Colorado chipmunk. Gray-collared chipmunks have a unique grey band around their necks.
5. Colorado
Species Count: 5
Evidently Colorado is home to the Cliff chipmunk, Least chipmunk, Colorado chipmunk, Hopi chipmunk, and Uinta chipmunk. Cliff chipmunks are adept climbers, often found on rocky outcrops.
4. Idaho
Species Count: 6
Idaho hosts the Yellow-pine chipmunk, Cliff chipmunk, Least chipmunk, Red-tailed chipmunk, Hopi chipmunk, and Uinta chipmunk. Moreover the Hopi chipmunk is known for its unique coloring and swift movements.
3. Arizona
Species Count: 7
Generally Arizona has the Gray-footed chipmunk, Gray-collared chipmunk, Cliff chipmunk, Least chipmunk, Colorado chipmunk, Hopi chipmunk, and Uinta chipmunk. The Gray-footed chipmunk is named for its distinctively grey feet.
2. California
Species Count: 12
California is rich in chipmunk diversity. Evidently it hosts species including the Alpine chipmunk, Yellow-pine chipmunk, Merriam’s chipmunk, Least chipmunk, California chipmunk, Yellow-cheeked chipmunk, Panamint chipmunk, Allen’s chipmunk, Siskiyou chipmunk, Sonoma chipmunk, Lodgepole chipmunk, and Uinta chipmunk. Merriam’s chipmunk is known for its unique habitat in the chaparral regions.
1. Nevada
Species Count: 14
Nevada tops the list with the most chipmunk species. Moreover the state is home to the Alpine chipmunk, Yellow-pine chipmunk, Cliff chipmunk, Merriam’s chipmunk, Least chipmunk, Yellow-cheeked chipmunk, Panamint chipmunk, Allen’s chipmunk, Long-eared chipmunk, Siskiyou chipmunk, Sonoma chipmunk, Lodgepole chipmunk, Uinta chipmunk, and Palmer’s chipmunk. The Palmer’s chipmunk is found only in the Spring Mountains of Nevada.
These stats come from World Population Review.
Wrapping Up with the Top 20 States With The Most Chipmunk Species
Chipmunks are adorable creatures. Their distribution across the United States is quite varied. Firstly Nevada leads with the most species, followed by California and Arizona. Each state’s unique environment supports different species of chipmunks. Generally exploring their habitats can be a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.
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