[3] It is found in Alberta and British Columbia in Canada and Montana, Idaho and Washington in the United States.

The body is basically orange-brown with five blackish stripes separated by four pale gray, tawny or cream-colored ones.

[4] In some areas, where range overlap with the yellow-pine chipmunk occurs, it may be difficult or impossible to distinguish the two species in the field; laboratory examination of skeletal structures may be required.

[5][6] The red-tailed chipmunk is native to southeastern British Columbia, southwestern Alberta, northeastern Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana.

[4] Breeding takes place in the late spring and summer, a litter size averaging five young born after a gestation period of about 31 days.