General Distribution
California chipmunk is common on desert-facing slopes of the eastern San Bernardino Mountains and
Sugarloaf Mountain eastward through the desert ranges of Joshua Tree National Monument, and in
montane conifer habitats in the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains (Callahan 1977). Occurrences
for this taxon are documented from Barker's Reservoir, Doble, Pinyon Wells, Big Bear City, Fuller's
Mill, Toro Peak, Eagle Mountain, Kenworthy, and Black Mountain (Callahan 1977). California
chipmunk occurs at elevations of 4,265-9,843 feet (1,300-3,000 meters) (Best and Granai 1994). Systematics
Until recently, California chipmunk was considered synonymous with Merriam's chipmunk (Tamias
merriami). Callahan (1977) elevated obscurus to the species level, distinct from merriami.
Consequently, there are now three recognized subspecies of California chipmunk, only one of which, T.
obscurus davisi, occurs in southern California. Habitat Requirements
On the San Bernardino National Forest, California chipmunks are commonly found in rocky areas of
pinyon-juniper woodlands, and pine-oak forests with associations of desert scrub and mixed and red
shank chaparral (Best and Granai 1994, Stephenson and Calcarone 1999). They are often observed in
the vicinity of granite outcrops. Reproduction
California chipmunk has a long breeding season, which may begin as early as January and probably
extends well into July (Best and Granai 1994). Jameson and Peeters (1988) report that this taxon has
two or more litters of 3–4 young each year. However, new unpublished data suggest they may have
only one litter each year (Best and Granai 1994). Daily/Seasonal Activity
California chipmunks are diurnal and are probably active year-round (Zeiner and others 1990). Daily
activity is greatest during early morning and late afternoon (Best and Granai 1994). Diet and Foraging
California chipmunks eat a variety of seeds, fruits, and flowers (Callahan and Davis 1976). The bulk of
their diet consists of acorns, pinyon seeds, and berries from manzanita and junipers. Territoriality/Home Range
No information is available on the home range of California chipmunk. They are solitary mammals and
may defend the area immediately around their burrow (Zeiner and others 1990). Predator-Prey Relations
Predators of California chipmunk probably include raptors, weasels, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats (Zeiner
and others 1990). The only record of predation on a California chipmunk was by a sharp-shinned hawk
(Best and Granai 1994). Literature Cited
Best, T.L.; Granai, N.J. 1994. Tamias obscurus. Mammalian Species 472: 1-6. Published by the
American Society of Mammalogists.
Callahan, J.R. 1977. Diagnosis of Eutamias obscurus (Rodentia: Sciuridae). Journal of Mammalogy 58:
188-201.
Callahan, J.R.; Davis, R. 1976. Desert chipmunks. Southwestern Naturalist 118: 872-875.
Jameson, E.W.; Peeters, H.J. 1988. California Mammals. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
Stephenson, J.R.; Calcarone, G.M. 1999. Southern California mountains and foothills assessment:
Habitat and species conservation issues. General Technical Report GTR-PSW-172. Albany, CA: Pacific
Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Zeiner, D.C.; Laudenslayer, W.F., Jr.; Meyer, K.E.; White, M., eds. 1990. California's wildlife. Volume
III: Mammals. California statewide wildlife habitat relationships system. Sacramento, CA: California
Information gathered from California DFG - California Interagency Wildlife Task Group
