Chipmunks are ground-dwelling rodents of the squirrel family. The eastern chipmunk is 5 1/2-7 inches (14-18 cm) long, not including a four -inch tail. It weighs up to five ounces (142 g). A chipmunk's fine fur is reddish brown with alternating black, brown, and white stripes. They carry food in cheek pouches. While chipmunk's sleep in winter, they will leave their burrows on warm days.