"[11] First described by Mark Catesby in his 1743 The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands, the chipmunk was eventually classified as Sciurus striatus by Linnaeus, meaning "striped squirrel" in Latin.

It prefers locations with rocky areas, brush or log piles, and shrubs to provide cover.

[17] The eastern chipmunk can climb trees well, but constructs underground nests with extensive tunnel systems, often with several entrances.

To hide the construction of its burrow, the eastern chipmunk is argued by some to carry soil to a different location in its cheek pouches.

[18] "The vocal repertoire of the chipmunk consists of five more or less stereotyped sounds: the chip, the chuck, the trills, the whistle or squeal, and chatter.

It prefers bulbs, seeds, fruits, nuts, green plants, mushrooms, insects, worms, and bird eggs.

Members of the species interact with each other only while courting and mating, and for the period that pups spend with their mothers after birth, typically around six to eight weeks.