They are frequently seen in parks and around gardens and lawns. Most activity, however, takes place during the cooler hours of the morning and afternoon. Excessive heat and inclement weather will hamper normal activities. These rodents are highly aggressive toward intruders, and readily defend the immediate area around their den entrance. Their defense is more vocal than violent.
Chipmunks are omniverous, feeding on plant and animal material.
Acorns, beechnuts, seeds of woody plants, berries of American Yew, ragweed, wintergreen, Canada mayflower, clover and wild buckwheat are among the major plant foods consumed. Sometimes mushrooms, sunflower seeds, watermelon, apples and squash are also eaten. Animal food consists of insects, worms, salamanders and occasionally star-nosed moles, young mice, small songbirds and frogs. Chipmunks have specially adapted internal cheek pouches which allow them to carry large amounts of food at one time. On occasion, they eat food on the spot, often at a favorite stump or rock which becomes littered with broken nut shells and fruit seeds.