Posted by jim macdonald on October 25, 2005

Q: Yesterday while out hunting I noticed what appeared to be a chipmunk after getting a little closer it was not the eastern chipmunk that I am familiar with but looked to be the Least Chipmunk I can not find any referance to this chipmunk in the state of Tenn.I observed 5 of these in an area abot 2-3 acres. This is the only place that I have seen these.

Habitat: forest/open woods

State: Tennessee

Habitat: forest/open woods

A: Your question sent me to the field guide to be sure just where Least Chipmunks are found. According to the field guide (you've probably already done this) the Least Chipmunk isn't found anywhere near Tennessee. Their closest natural location is in northcentral Wisconsin.

I'm guessing that you've seen some immature/young Eastern Chipmunks and this has thrown you off on their ID. I had some young Eastern Chipmunks around my house this summer and they certainly looked smaller than the adults yet their coloring and patterns are the same as the adults. Although adult Least Chipmunks are certainly smaller than Eastern Chipmunks, they look so much alike that you need detailed examination to tell them apart. Of course, it's always possible that a given species is located where it hasn't been reported before, but I think in this case, you probably did see immature Eastern Chipmunks. Thanks for your question and keep up the good observations.

John Wiessinger ( October 25, 2005)