I often write about the wildlife, animals and birds, coming to the back deck to eat the food I leave out for them. They like bread laced with peanut butter, seeds and dry cat food.
Over the years I have seen many red squirrels come and go. Last year a couple chipmunks visited and I was delighted as I hadn’t seen chipmunks here for a long time. The squirrel stayed around all last winter but I hadn’t seen the chipmunk again until last week.
Can you tell the different between the chipmunk and the red squirrel. They both are amazing little mammals. I enjoy seeing them come for a visit but not at the same time as a fight would occur with the red squirrel the winner.
The big bushy tail is a giveaway for the squirrel.
The chipmunk is smaller than the red squirrel and has stripes along his back and face. The tail is not as bushy as the squirrel’s tail which curls nicely up on his back.
The chipmunk waits on the deck railing anxious me to bring out some peanuts. Wisely the chipmunk never visits at the same time as the squirrel.
The little red squirrel braves the rain and comes to the back deck for a peanut. The red squirrels are the only squirrels in P.E.I. and although they are endangered, that is the reason they have survived here. Elsewhere, other bigger squirrels, like the grey squirrel, could kill them.
Although they are related, the chipmunk and red squirrel cannot mate. They are both territorial, defending their young and territory. But if a fight ensues the squirrel will win. The chipmunks only defence against their many predators is to run away and hide.
Chipmunks will also fight each other. I saw this happen and wished I had my camera with me for a video. One chipmunk was going back to his home on the path between the back deck and the barn when another chipmunk met him. As quick as lightning they jumped together and wrestled in the air for a few moments and then chased each other to the forest.
If you look closely at this photo, the bite marks from the fight is evident under the stripe on the chipmunk’s back and under the ear.
Both the squirrel and chipmunk will pose for me. :)
Here is the red squirrel on the barbecue cover. This looks like a different one for the tail is not as bushy as normal...fur is missing from the end. When squirrels fight each other over territory they will pull at the tail. I’ve seen these squirrels with hardly any tail left. The tail helps them balance when climbing trees and without it they are at a disadvantage.
Most folks refer to a group of squirrel or chipmunks as a Scurry.
I hope you enjoyed my comparison between these delightful little critters. I’m sure there are many more differences but these are the ones I’ve noticed.
This post is my entry to Amazing Nature contest hosted by 
Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Camera: CanonEOS RebelT6
All photos are taken by me.
All Rights Reserved unless with my permission
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