Least Chipmunk (Neotamias minimus) is in the Squirrels family (Sciuridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,149 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in July.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Least Chipmunk: observations by month (U.S.)
About Least Chipmunk
The least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) is the smallest species of chipmunk, and the most widespread in North America.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Least Chipmunk by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 1,092 | July | Jun–Oct |
| South Dakota | 886 | July | May–Sep |
| Wyoming | 620 | August | May–Sep |
| Utah | 358 | July | May–Sep |
| Oregon | 182 | May | Apr–Jul |
| Minnesota | 164 | September | May–Oct |
| California | 146 | June | Jun–Sep |
| Idaho | 144 | July | May–Oct |
| New Mexico | 130 | August | Jun–Oct |
| Montana | 126 | August | Jun–Oct |
| Michigan | 122 | August | Apr–Oct |
| Washington | 52 | August | Aug–Sep |
| North Dakota | 48 | July | May–Oct |
| Nevada | 29 | June | Jun–Aug |
| Arizona | 25 | July | May–Oct |
| Wisconsin | 14 | August | Jul–Aug |
| Nebraska | 10 | October | Mar–Nov |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Squirrels)
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
California Ground Squirrel
Groundhog
American Red Squirrel
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Western Gray Squirrel
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Least Chipmunk?
Nationally, July has the most observations, with the main season from May to October.
Where is Least Chipmunk most often seen?
The most observations come from Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming.