Chipmunks are small, striped rodents belonging to the family Sciuridae. They are primarily found in North America and are known for their distinctive brown fur with dark stripes running down their backs. Chipmunks typically measure about 8 to 10 inches long, including their tails, and are often seen scurrying around in forests, gardens, and parks. These animals are active during the day and are known for their habit of storing food, such as nuts and seeds, in their cheek pouches. Chipmunks play an important role in their ecosystems by helping to disperse seeds, which contributes to plant growth and forest regeneration.