Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
A chipmunk is a small squirrel with stripes on its face and back; a pocket gopher is an underground rodent usually recognized by fan-shaped soil mounds and plugged tunnel openings. The word “gopher” is also used regionally for the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, which has back stripes or spots but no chipmunk-like facial stripes. So first identify which animal the name refers to, then check the face, the animal’s movement, and the burrow signs.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key identifying sign | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipmunk | An animal seen above ground or near a small burrow | Stripes on the face as well as the back | November 2026 |
| Pocket gopher | An animal inferred from its underground tunnel system | Fan-shaped soil mounds and plugged tunnel openings | November 2026 |
| Thirteen-lined ground squirrel (“striped” or “spotted gopher”) | An animal with back markings but no facial stripes | Alternating stripes or spots on the back; tail carried horizontally when running | November 2026 |
What is the difference between a chipmunk and a gopher?
“Chipmunk” refers to a squirrel, while “gopher” can refer either to a pocket gopher or, in some regions, to a thirteen-lined ground squirrel. Those are different animals, so a useful comparison separates the two meanings rather than treating every striped animal or burrow as evidence of the same species.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is a member of the squirrel family. Pocket gophers are rodents adapted to living in underground burrows. The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is also a ground squirrel—not a pocket gopher—even where people call it a “striped gopher” or “spotted gopher.” Purdue’s chipmunk fact sheet discusses this common-name confusion, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension comparison explains the chipmunk and ground-squirrel distinction.
That terminology matters most when someone reports “a gopher” without describing what they saw. A person may mean an animal with a striped back, or may be referring to mounds and tunnel openings with no animal visible. In the first case, check whether the face is striped and how the animal carries its tail. In the second, examine the soil signs: fan-shaped mounds and plugged openings point toward a pocket gopher.
Popular on Amazon
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
How can I tell them apart by appearance?
Look at the face, not only the back. A chipmunk has noticeable stripes on both; a thirteen-lined ground squirrel has markings on its back but no stripes along the sides of its head. A pocket gopher is usually easier to identify from its burrow evidence than from a brief above-ground view.
For the eastern chipmunk specifically, Purdue’s USDA-authored description gives a body length of 5–6 inches, with two pale and five blackish stripes along the back, and two pale and two brownish stripes on each side of the face. That is a description of the eastern species, not a size specification for every chipmunk. The Missouri Department of Conservation field guide likewise describes the eastern chipmunk’s dark back stripes and cheek markings, and contrasts them with the alternating stripes and spots of thirteen-lined ground squirrels.
In practical terms, the face is a better discriminator than a general impression of “striped.” If the animal turns toward you, look for the markings on the sides of its face. If it is moving away or the face is hidden, note the back pattern but keep the identification provisional. A striped back alone does not settle the question because both chipmunks and thirteen-lined ground squirrels have conspicuous back markings.
Color can vary with lighting, distance, and the animal’s position. If the face is obscured, use several clues together—back markings, movement, and nearby burrow signs—instead of deciding from a single brown or striped appearance.
Size can help only when the species and view are clear. The 5–6 inch body-length description is specifically for the eastern chipmunk in Purdue’s fact sheet; it should not be applied to all chipmunks or used alone to distinguish an animal in the field. The Missouri guide also provides a species-specific description, but a distant sighting is rarely precise enough for a size estimate to outweigh the facial pattern and behavior.
What do the burrows and soil mounds reveal?
Fan-shaped mounds and plugged tunnel openings point toward a pocket gopher. A small burrow without a conspicuous mound is more consistent with a chipmunk, while an open hole used by a visible animal may indicate a ground squirrel.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Also popular on Amazon
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
Pocket gophers spend almost all their time in sealed underground tunnel systems and are seldom seen on the surface. New Mexico State University Extension describes their mounds as usually fan-shaped and their tunnel entrances as plugged. These are useful signs for identifying pocket gophers, though the source is regional guidance from New Mexico, and local species and conditions can differ.
When you inspect a mound, consider the pattern as a whole rather than treating any loose soil as proof. The combination of a fan-shaped mound and a plugged entrance is the more useful clue described by New Mexico State University Extension’s pocket-gopher guidance. A closed or sealed opening also fits an animal whose tunnel system is mostly underground; it is not the same sign as an open hole beside which a ground squirrel is seen above ground.
Chipmunks also dig burrows, but they carry excavated soil away rather than leaving the typical obvious mound at the entrance. The distinction is not simply “mound means gopher”: look for the fan shape and plugged opening together. For a suspected thirteen-lined ground squirrel, consider the animal itself and the open-hole pattern rather than applying pocket-gopher mound clues to an animal that is a different kind of ground squirrel.
Soil signs are especially useful when the animal is never visible. A pocket gopher’s underground habits mean that a person may have to identify it from the tunnel system and mounds rather than a direct look at its body. A chipmunk can also use a burrow, but the absence of an obvious soil mound at the entrance is consistent with its habit of carrying dug soil away. Neither a burrow nor a mound should be interpreted without its shape and opening condition.
Does the way it moves help identify it?
It can, if you can watch the animal run. Chipmunks tend to carry the tail upright, while thirteen-lined ground squirrels run with the tail straight out or horizontally, according to Purdue and Wisconsin Extension.
This clue has limits: it is useful for distinguishing a chipmunk from a ground squirrel in motion, not for identifying an animal that remains underground. A pocket gopher may never be visible when you inspect its mounds, so soil signs are more useful in that case.
Also popular on Amazon
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
Use tail posture as a supporting clue, not as a substitute for the face pattern. If an animal pauses, the tail may not be held in the characteristic running position. The comparison from Purdue and Wisconsin Extension describes the animals while running, so the distinction is most useful when you actually see that movement. A horizontal tail can support a ground-squirrel identification; an upright tail supports chipmunk, especially when facial stripes are also visible.
Can diet help distinguish them?
Diet is supporting context, not the quickest field mark. Chipmunks eat a varied diet that includes seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and other foods, and they carry food to their burrows for storage. Pocket gophers are strict herbivores that feed on vegetation, including roots and above-ground plants.
These habits may explain what an animal is doing around a yard or garden, but they are difficult to confirm from a quick sighting. Use the markings and burrow evidence first; do not identify an animal from a suspected food source alone.
Food storage is part of the chipmunk picture: it gathers food and carries it back to its burrow, where it can be stored. The eastern-chipmunk descriptions from Purdue and Missouri include food such as seeds, nuts, berries, and insects as part of its varied diet. By contrast, New Mexico State University Extension describes pocket gophers as strict herbivores that eat roots and above-ground vegetation. These feeding habits are useful background, but they do not provide a simple visual test. A plant or food item near a hole does not, on its own, tell you which animal made the burrow.
What is the quickest way to make a reliable identification?
- Decide what “gopher” means in context. If you are looking at an animal, consider whether it is a pocket gopher or a thirteen-lined ground squirrel sometimes called a striped or spotted gopher. If you are looking only at soil, start by checking for pocket-gopher mound and tunnel signs.
- Check for facial stripes. Stripes on the face and back support chipmunk; a striped or spotted back without facial stripes supports thirteen-lined ground squirrel. A fleeting or blocked view is not enough to rule either one in.
- Inspect the burrow signs. Fan-shaped mounds and plugged openings are characteristic of pocket gophers. Chipmunk burrows typically lack an obvious mound because the animal carries the excavated soil away. Open holes and a visible animal outside them are more typical ground-squirrel signs.
- Watch the tail if the animal runs. An upright tail is a chipmunk clue; a horizontal tail is a ground-squirrel clue. Do not use this test when the animal is not visible.
- Check a regional reference if the result matters. The cited eastern-chipmunk descriptions and New Mexico pocket-gopher signs are tied to particular species or regions. Local wildlife agencies and extension offices can help resolve uncertain range or species identifications.
For a quick field check, record what you can actually observe rather than filling gaps with assumptions: Was the face visible? Were there stripes or spots on the back? Was the animal running, and if so, was its tail upright or horizontal? Were nearby openings plugged or open? Was there a fan-shaped mound, or was excavated soil not obvious? These separate observations make it easier to compare the sighting with a regional guide afterward.
If you have only one clue, say so. “A small striped animal” is not enough to distinguish a chipmunk from a thirteen-lined ground squirrel; facial markings or tail posture may settle it. “A hole in the yard” is not enough to identify a pocket gopher; look for the characteristic mound-and-plug combination. Avoid treating a missing clue as proof: a concealed face, an animal that is not running, or a mound that is difficult to read may simply leave the identification unresolved.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAlso popular on Amazon
- SYMBIOTIC DIGESTIVE ECOSYSTEM: Our dog probiotics build a 4-way digestive ecosystem: Digestive enzymes pre-break nutrients for easy absorption, while probiotics + prebiotics balance and nourish gut flora. Pumpkin helps dogs with a sensitive stomach maintain regular bowel movements. These layers go beyond ordinary probiotics, turning every meal into steady nourishment, digestive ease, and enduring energy*—so your dog stays balanced and full of life.
- TRIPLE IMMUNE SUPPORT: Gut health drives immunity, and our probiotics for dogs target it. Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and support mucosal immunity, while plant antioxidants* (Rosemary & Green Tea) and natural Vitamin E help protect immune cells from daily wear and tear. Formulated for triple immune support - helping your dog stay vibrant and ready for everyday adventures.
- DUAL-ACTION SKIN & COAT NOURISH: True skin and coat health starts from within. Gut and immune support work in sync with Salmon and Flaxseed Oils (Omega-3 & 6) to nourish skin and coat from the inside out. This dual-action care promotes a soft, shiny, and glossy coat you’ll love to touch.
- PURE INGREDIENTS: We believe in complete ingredient integrity. Every batch of our dog probiotic chews is crafted in GMP-certified facilities using trusted, premium sources. They are free from grains, soy, and artificial additives. This commitment to safety and quality ensures a clean formula you can trust for your dog’s overall wellness.
- TASTE DOGS LOVE: Made with natural duck flavor, our probiotic chews are loved by most dogs, even picky eaters. Unlike other hard chews, these soft, easy-to-bite chews are perfect for puppies and senior dogs. They help support digestive comfort, gut balance, and skin & immune health: areas commonly affected by occasional diarrhea, seasonal allergies, itchy skin, or paw licking. A tasty daily chew your dog will love.
Why do regional names and species matter?
Common names can make two distinct animals sound interchangeable: “striped gopher” and “spotted gopher” may mean a thirteen-lined ground squirrel, while “pocket gopher” refers to the burrowing animal with characteristic mounds and plugged tunnels. The name used in a local conversation is not, by itself, a reliable identification.
The eastern chipmunk examples in the Missouri and Purdue materials concern Tamias striatus and its range in Indiana and the eastern United States. They should not be treated as a universal size or range guide for every chipmunk species. For a regional starting point, consult the Missouri Department of Conservation’s eastern-chipmunk guide, the Canadian Wildlife Federation chipmunk reference, or local wildlife and extension resources. Pocket-gopher control details from New Mexico should not be assumed to apply elsewhere.
Regional references also help distinguish identification from management. A guide describing the signs of pocket gophers in New Mexico can help explain a fan-shaped mound and plugged tunnel, but its control advice is specific to that region. If you need to know what species occurs where you live, or what to do about an animal on your property, check a local wildlife or extension agency rather than assuming that a common name or a distant region’s guidance applies.
A regional mammal field guide can be useful if the animal’s range or species remains uncertain. Choose one for the area where you saw the animal; a regional guide is more useful than relying on a generalized size or range claim. The identification comparison does not require purchasing a guide: state and provincial wildlife agencies and extension resources can provide a suitable starting point.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What are cheek pouches—and are they a sure clue?
Chipmunks have internal cheek pouches and use them to carry food; Purdue also describes chipmunks carrying excavated soil away in their pouches. But the mere presence of cheek pouches is not a safe standalone field mark for this comparison: the cited pocket-gopher reference also mentions cheek pouches without clarifying pouch position in the available description.
For an outdoor identification, prioritize facial stripes, the back pattern, tail carriage, and the shape and condition of nearby burrow openings. These signs are more practical than trying to infer pouch anatomy from a distant or brief view.
Also popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
It is easy to overinterpret a feature that cannot be seen clearly in the field. A cheek pouch is not a practical external test from a distance, and the cited references do not support using pouch presence alone to separate these animals. The same rule applies to diet and size: those details add context, but the most dependable first checks remain facial markings for a visible animal and mound shape and plugged entrances for a suspected pocket gopher.
Common identification mistakes
- Assuming every “gopher” is a pocket gopher. The thirteen-lined ground squirrel may be called a striped or spotted gopher, but it is a ground squirrel. Clarify the name before comparing traits.
- Looking only at the back. Chipmunks and thirteen-lined ground squirrels both have back markings. Check for facial stripes to distinguish them.
- Calling every mound a pocket-gopher mound. The useful pocket-gopher sign is the characteristic fan-shaped mound with a plugged opening, not just any disturbed soil.
- Using tail posture when the animal is not running. The upright-versus-horizontal comparison is a clue observed in motion, not a dependable test of a still or unseen animal.
- Applying one region’s details everywhere. The eastern-chipmunk facts and New Mexico pocket-gopher guidance describe particular regions and species. Consult a local reference when range or management matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chipmunks active during the day?
Yes. The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s chipmunk reference describes daytime behavior, so a chipmunk sighting in daylight is unsurprising. Daytime activity alone does not distinguish a chipmunk from every ground squirrel.
Recommended Free Tools
Where are eastern chipmunks commonly found?
Purdue’s fact sheet says the eastern chipmunk is common throughout Indiana and the eastern United States. That range statement applies to the eastern chipmunk, not to every chipmunk species.
Should I use New Mexico pocket-gopher advice if I live somewhere else?
Treat it as identification guidance rather than universal local advice: the New Mexico State University Extension source is specifically about pocket gophers in New Mexico. For local species or management questions, check your own state or regional extension and wildlife agency.
Is a striped gopher the same as a pocket gopher?
Not necessarily. “Striped gopher” or “spotted gopher” can refer to a thirteen-lined ground squirrel, which is a ground squirrel rather than a pocket gopher. Pocket gophers are the underground rodents associated with fan-shaped mounds and plugged tunnel openings.
How can I tell a chipmunk from a thirteen-lined ground squirrel?
Look at the face as well as the back. Chipmunks have facial stripes; thirteen-lined ground squirrels have stripes or spots on the back but no stripes along the sides of the head. When running, chipmunks carry the tail upright and ground squirrels carry it straight out or horizontally.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: A chipmunk has stripes on its face and back, and often carries its tail upright when running. A pocket gopher is usually identified by fan-shaped mounds and plugged tunnel openings. If someone says “gopher” but means a thirteen-lined ground squirrel, look for back stripes or spots without facial stripes and a horizontally carried tail. When the evidence is incomplete, check a regional wildlife or extension guide rather than relying on the name alone.
Leave a Reply