Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunk: 5 Key Differences

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Both ground squirrels vs chipmunks are members of the same species, which is Sciuridae. However, just because they are related in this way does not make them the same. In fact, there are many key differences that you can use to both tell them apart and get to know them as individuals.

In this article, we will go over all of these key differences, including their physical differences, habitats preferences, and more. You should be able to identify a ground squirrel or a chipmunk with ease, as well as understand some of their individual behaviors. Let’s get started and learn about these two rodents now!

Comparing Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunk

The Main Differences Between Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunk

There are many key differences between ground squirrels vs chipmunks. Ground squirrels are far larger than chipmunks are, including their long and bushy tail that chipmunks do not share. Chipmunks often live underground in burrows and tunnels, while squirrels are usually found above ground in trees and in grasslands. Finally, the life spans between ground squirrels and chipmunks is inherently different, mostly based on their individual mobility.

Now that you have a brief overview of the differences between these two, let’s go over them in more detail now.

Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunk: Size and Weight

One of the key differences when it comes to telling ground squirrels and chipmunks apart lies in their overall size and weight. Ground squirrels are significantly larger in both length and weight when compared to chipmunks. Let’s discuss these statistics in more detail now.

Ground squirrels average anywhere from 7 to 20 inches long with their tails included, while chipmunks average 3 to 8 inches long. Given their larger lengths, ground squirrels weigh more than chipmunks by a large margin, as most chipmunks weigh a pound or less.

Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunk: Appearance

Another difference between ground squirrels vs chipmunks is their appearance. While these two rodents can look strikingly similar, especially because they are from the same family, there are some key differences to pay attention to.

For example, ground squirrels have ears that are closer to their heads and smaller overall when compared to chipmunk ears. Squirrels also have large bushy tails, while chipmunk tails are much shorter and not nearly as fluffy when compared to ground squirrel tails.

Another difference that may be noticeable but may not always apply is the presence of striping or stripes on the body. Chipmunks are always stripes and known for having stripes along their faces and backs, while ground squirrels will not always have stripes. In fact, most ground squirrels are a plain brown or gray color overall.

Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunk: Habitat and Living Environment

Chipmunks and ground squirrels live in different habitats and environments, especially throughout the day. This is another difference between them that becomes more obvious as you study these to rodents as individuals. Let’s talk more about this now.

For example, ground squirrels are often seen roaming parks, woodlands, and scaling tall trees, while chipmunks are usually found scurrying along the ground. This is because chipmunks reside in burrows and tunnels underground and tend to stick to those locations except for when they need to venture forth for food.

Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunk: Lifespan

Another potential difference between ground squirrels vs chipmunks is their life spans. Many studies show that ground squirrels live far longer than chipmunks do, and it is likely based on their overall mobility and athleticism. Let’s talk more about what that means.

While there are always exceptions to the rules, chipmunks live an average of 2-5 years in the wild, while ground squirrels live an average of 5-10 years in the wild. This is likely due to the fact that both ground squirrels and chipmunks are common prey to many predators, and chipmunks are simply less agile than ground squirrels are. Ground squirrels are capable of climbing trees and running away at high speeds, while chipmunks often can’t reach protection in time.

Ground Squirrel vs Chipmunk: Hibernation Tendencies

The final key difference between ground squirrels versus chipmunks lies in their hibernation habits. While there are very few animals that truly hibernate, ground squirrels are one of them, while chipmunks do a version of hibernating that is more common among the animals.

 For example, chipmunks retreat to their dens in the winter months, but they wake up every few days in order to eat and then they return to sleep. Ground squirrels have the ability to truly hibernate without eating, but they often do a similar routine as chipmunks do during the winter.