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Alpine Chipmunk

Alpine chipmunk sitting on a rock near Yosemite National Park in California.

Conservation

Least concern conservation status

Scientific Classification

OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae
GenusNeotamias
Binomial nameNeotamis alpinus

Range Map

Alpine Chipmunk range map

Description

The alpine chipmunk is a species of chipmunk native to the elevation of the Sierra Nevada, California in the United States. They are found on high elevations from around 2300 meters to 2900 and rarely live below 2500 meters above sea level.

These chipmunks weigh approximately 27 to 45 grams on average and are characterized by gray to brown colored furs and white stripes on their cheeks and down their backs. 

The alpine chipmunks feed on seeds of sedges, grasses, and other plants native to the alpine zone they inhabit. They mainly rely on food as their water source.

They are diurnal animals but might exhibit some nocturnal activities during the summer period. They go on hibernation in the period going from November to April.