Arizona's WildLife

The cliff chipmunk is a small, striped chipmunk commonly found on rocky slopes, canyon walls, cliffs, and forested edges. Adapted for agility, it is quick and sure-footed, often seen darting among rocks or climbing steep terrain in search of food. These chipmunks feed on seeds, berries, nuts, and vegetation, storing extra food in burrows or rock crevices for later use. They are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, when they can be spotted foraging or pausing on rocks to survey their surroundings. Though small, their alert movements and distinctive stripes make them easy to recognize against rocky backdrops. The cliff chipmunk plays an important role in its ecosystem by dispersing seeds and providing prey for larger predators, while also adding lively activity to Arizona’s canyon and mountain landscapes.