Chipmunks From Squirrels. Both chipmunks and ground squirrels live in underground burrows, which can be up to 30 feet long and can have several tunnels. Chipmunks may be classified either as a single genus, tamias, or as three genera:
These animals' bodies are very much alike.
Squirrels are part of sciuridae family that includes small rodents such as chipmunks, prairie dogs, marmots, etc. Squirrels and chipmunks, both belong to the family sciuridae. Ground squirrels are more widespread than chipmunks. When you know what to look for, however, the differences will be obvious.