Townsend's Chipmunk (Neotamias townsendii) is in the Squirrels family (Sciuridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,332 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 Townsend's Chipmunk: observations by month (U.S.)
About Townsend's Chipmunk
Townsend's chipmunk (Neotamias townsendii) is a species of rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It lives in the forests of the Pacific Northwest of North America, from British Columbia through western Washington and Oregon. A large chipmunk, adults can be 36 cm (14 in) from nose to tail. In much of its range, it is the only chipmunk; it can be identified by its tail which is grayish above and reddish below, and by its brown coloration with...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Townsend's Chipmunk by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 2,348 | August | Mar–Oct |
| Washington | 1,982 | July | Apr–Sep |
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 Townsend's Chipmunk?
Nationally, July has the most observations, with the main season from April to October.
Where is Townsend's Chipmunk most often seen?
The most observations come from Oregon, Washington.