Newborn chipmunks are so unbelievably cute you won’t believe your own eyes! And if you think that’s an exaggeration, you clearly haven’t seen any pictures of these little critters. Check out these newborn chipmunk pictures and see just how cute they are!
When you are fortunate enough to be in the presence of wild animals, it is natural to feel a sense of awe and wonder. When we witness something so pure and innocent, like baby chipmunks, our hearts begin to sing with joy.
Chipmunk Gestation
The gestation period of a chipmunk is typically between 30 and 32 days.
When Do Chipmunks Give Birth?
Baby chipmunks, also called pups, are born in the spring or summer months, typically between the end of April and mid-July.
Immediately after birth, the newborn pups are blind, deaf, and completely helpless.
For the first week, they are completely dependent on their mother for food, warmth, and protection. After the first week, they open their eyes and grow rapidly.
After two weeks, the pups are strong enough to leave the nest and explore their surroundings. By the third week, they can eat solid food, such as nuts and seeds.
When Do Baby Chipmunks Become Independent?
Chipmunk pups start becoming independent around four or five weeks.
When Do Chipmunk Babies Leave the Nest?
A chipmunk’s nest or burrow is underground which can’t be seen. They build the burrow under forest, logs, and bushes or under various soils.
Chipmunks grow up quickly and have a very brief childhood; they are only 6 to 8 weeks old when their mother drives them out of her burrow for good, leaving them to survive on their own.
When Do Chipmunks Mature?
Chipmunks typically reach maturity by the time they are one year old. In some cases, they may become sexually mature at 8-9 months old.
Mating Habits of Chipmunks
During the spring and early summer, male chipmunks will compete with each other for mates. They will use vocalizations and physical displays to demonstrate their strength and dominance. The female chipmunks usually choose a mate based on the male’s size and age.
How Can You Tell the Age of a Chipmunk?
A chipmunk’s age can also be determined by analyzing its coat color; young chipmunks have bright fur, while older chipmunks tend to have duller coats. Adult chipmunks are larger and have a more prominent tail than juvenile chipmunks.
Lifespan of a Chipmunk: How Long Do Chipmunks Live?
The life span of a chipmunk varies from 2 to 5 years, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some chipmunks reportedly lived up to 11 years in captivity when fed well and kept safe from predators.
Newborn Chipmunk Pictures – Conclusion
Chipmunks have adorable little faces, bright eyes, and soft, fluffy fur. Even their tiny claws and whiskers are precious. All in all, these newborn chipmunk pictures deserve the title of being very cute indeed!
Do you have a baby chipmunk story you would like to share? Leave a comment below to let us know!
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I never knew all this information. Chipmunks are SO cute & their lifespan seems so short. Very interesting & to the point.
Thanks, Laaaady. They are very cute and I love how you can see their chipmunk stripes on their body when born! I appreciate you reading…as always! 🙂
?? Awwwww, the baby chipmunks are so cute! I didn’t know that they are on their own after only being 6-8 weeks old.
I was fortunate to see a baby chipmunk in their ground nest! As I was walking around our old goat fence, noticed a tuft gray pet hair on the ground( we often brush my gray cat and the hair we throw outside). I thought the wind had blown it down there. I thought I’d pick it up and properly dispose of the hair tuft, as I reached down to grasp it- I felt a warmth beneath it and a small ground hole. I still wasn’t realizing what was going on until I saw a tiny pinkish- brown leg kicking!!!!! Babies!!! I instantly tucked the hair back over and left alone, but left with a smile knowing what I had witnessed! A tiny miracle, God put in my path- lietally 😊.
Lynn,
What an amazing story of your tiny miracle you witnessed. Ah, you gray kitty helped keep the babies warm! Thank you for sharing your experience. We love to hear fantastic stories like yours.
Maddy 🙂