While chipmunks are often seen in the branches of a tree, or on a roof, they are considered ground dwellers, and may even be seen swimming across a creek or small pond, as they do not seem to mind the water. One male chipmunk that appeared to be seeking a female companion near our house would climb to the top of our bird feeder. Here he would create such a scene, sitting on his haunches, chattering at the top of his lungs, that no birds would come near, but after a few days of this, we did notice that a female chipmunk had joined him on his jaunts across our shed roof. Once they are out on their own, gathering food becomes top priority. Nuts, seeds, wild berries, and fruits make up their diet.
Chipmunks have the amazing ability to stuff their cheeks full of food.
Pouches on the inside of their cheeks help them to accomplish this. As the colder temperatures of fall start to arrive, chipmunks begin to gather up and store as much food as they can in preparation for the coming winter months. Though chipmunks that live in these colder climates hibernate , they are not of the type of hibernators whose sleep resembles that of someone near death. While some animals slow their breathing and do not wake up to eat except for some extreme circumstance, the chipmunk does eat during this time, and on warm, sunny days, may even get up and about some. It is not odd to see a chipmunk in the middle of the winter on a warm afternoon.