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What do wild chipmunks consume, exactly? Small mammals known as chipmunks are widespread across North America. Both red and black chipmunks exist, and depending on the time of year, they both eat a number of different items. We’ll look at what chipmunks enjoy eating the most in this blog post as well as what they eat in the winter. We’ll also look at some foods that chipmunks should stay away from!
What do wild chipmunks eat?
Typically, insects, nuts, berries, seeds, and greens are what wild chipmunks eat. If given the chance, they have been known to consume eggs and young birds as well. Chipmunks will cache (or store) food to help them survive throughout the winter when food is in short supply.
Chipmunks frequently bury their food in little holes they have excavated when storing it for the winter. When a chipmunk is carrying food in both cheeks, it is probably storing it for later. Chipmunks should refrain from consuming certain substances, such as:
It is preferable to get in touch with a wildlife rehabilitation facility or a veterinarian as soon as you notice a chipmunk eating any of these items. A chipmunk may become extremely ill or perhaps pass away after consuming any of these things.
What do baby chipmunks eat in the wild?
Since they are born without fur, baby chipmunks are blind. They will remain in their nest and be looked after by their mother for the first few weeks of their existence. The young chipmunks will start to venture outside of the nest and start consuming solid food after a few weeks.
They will consume the same foods as an adult chipmunk at this time, including insects, nuts, berries, seeds, and greens. It is best to get in touch with a wildlife rehabilitation facility as soon as possible if you spot a baby chipmunk that seems to be on its own. Unless absolutely necessary, young chipmunks should not be taken from their natural habitat.
What do chipmunks like to eat the most?
Nuts and seeds are often the foods that chipmunks enjoy the most. This is so that the chipmunk can stay warm during the winter because they are packed with calories and fat. If you observe a chipmunk consuming something other than nuts or seeds, it is probably because those are the only options that are readily available to them at the time.
Do you have a chipmunk living in your yard?
They may constantly be busy, if that’s the case. Chipmunks are renowned for their high levels of energy and their amusing personalities. Put out a small dish of water and some bird seed if you want to draw chipmunks to your yard.
Additionally, as chipmunks like to climb and hide among small rocks and logs, you might want to scatter a couple of these items across your yard. Just be careful not to use any poisonous plants or chemicals as they can hurt chipmunks.
Can you feed wild chipmunks?
Although it is not required, you can feed wild chipmunks if you want to. If you decide to feed them, be careful to simply provide a minimal amount so they don’t become reliant on you.
You can provide a plate of unsalted peanuts or sunflower seeds for the chipmunks to eat. Additionally, you can give them fresh produce like apples or carrots. Just be careful not to feed them any food that is rotten or moldy because this could make them ill.
Do chipmunks eat bread?
Although bread is not normally attractive to chipmunks, some have been observed occasionally eating it. If you do offer them bread, be careful not to give them more than a small slice since too much bread can make them ill. Giving them any bad or moldy bread should also be avoided because it could be harmful to their health.
What fruit do chipmunks eat?
Fruits with a lot of sugar, such grapes, strawberries, and bananas, tend to draw chipmunks. They occasionally consume other fruit varieties as well, although these are not their preferred choices. If you do decide to give them fruit, make sure to wash it well first and take out any rotting or moldy bits.
Do chipmunks eat insects?
What vegetables do chipmunks eat?
Typically, chipmunks enjoy eating leafy greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce. They may occasionally eat other veggies as well, although these are not their preferred ones. If you do decide to give them vegetables, make sure to thoroughly wash them first and get rid of any rotting or moldy parts.
Do chipmunks hide their food?
Yes, chipmunks frequently conceal food to store it for later. They frequently bury their food in the ground or conceal it in a log or a tree stump. You might find that your pet chipmunk also tries to keep their food from you if you have one.
Interesting facts about wild chipmunks
Where do chipmunks live?
Although forests are where chipmunks normally reside, they can also be found in meadows, deserts, and even cities. They are most active during the day and spend the most of the night sleeping.
Do chipmunks make good pets?
Yes, if they are given the correct care, chipmunks can make good pets. They may be trained to perform tricks and are very energetic and active. They are swift and can be challenging to catch, though, if they manage to get away. Having a sizable cage or enclosure for play is essential for your pet chipmunk.
What is the average lifespan of a chipmunk?
A chipmunk has a three-year lifespan on average, however some have been known to survive up to nine years in captivity. Despite being born blind and deaf, baby chipmunks swiftly grow and become independent after only a few weeks.
Do all chipmunks have stripes?
Yes, the backs of all chipmunks do have stripes. Typically, the stripes are brown to red in color.
Do chipmunks hibernate?
While some chipmunk species do hibernate during the winter, others do not. When it’s cold outside or there aren’t enough food sources available, animals can preserve energy by entering a profound sleep state known as hibernation.
Conclusion
Since they are born without fur, baby chipmunks are blind. They will remain in their nest and be looked after by their mother for the first few weeks of their existence. The young chipmunks will start to venture outside of the nest and start consuming solid food after a few weeks.
It is best to get in touch with a wildlife rehabilitation facility or veterinarian as soon as you spot a chipmunk that seems sick or hurt. Do you have any inquiries concerning chipmunks in the wild?
Tell us in the comments section below!
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FAQ
Are chipmunks harmful to your house?
Structures are harmed. When there are many chipmunks, they might harm the structure by digging under patios, stairs, retention walls, and foundations. Pool liners might be harmed by their burrows. Digging could weaken retaining walls and result in collapse.
Can chipmunks hurt you?
The fact that chipmunks do not attack people or other animals makes them not very harmful, but they do spread common rodent illnesses like the plague and fleas, as well as ticks, lice, and mites. To avoid spreading disease, stay away from and don’t touch dead or ill chipmunks.
Are chipmunks active at night?
Chipmunks spend the day and spend the night inside their burrows all year long. They rarely leave their nests during the hottest months of the year, which is when they are most inactive.
Where do chipmunks sleep at night?
burrows
Where do chipmunks make their nests?
Chipmunks dig tunnel-filled underground tunnels or build nests in trees or shrubs to serve as their personal residences. Their tunnel networks can range in length from 10 to 30 feet (3 to 9.1 meters).