Chipmunk Vs Ground Squirrel Illinois. The eastern chipmunk is the smallest illinois ground squirrel, weighing 2 to 5 ounces and being 8 to 12 inches in length. Chipmunks have rounded, erect ears, whereas ground squirrels have short ears that do not even stick out above the head.
Ground squirrels are more widespread than chipmunks.
During fall, chipmunks and ground squirrels scurry across the ground in search of food as they prepare for winter. Part of a nature display at the alpine visitors center at the top of trail ridge road in rocky mountain national park. This family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Ground squirrels are more widespread than chipmunks.