This one was photographed near Wellton, Arizona. The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) and the least chipmunk (Eutamias minimas) are the two most widely distributed and notable species. Fifteen species of native chipmunks of the genus Eutamias and one of the genus Tamias are found in North America.

Arizona Gray Squirrel (Sciurus arizonensis) The Arizona gray squirrel is a native species.

Legal Status in Arizona All of Arizona's ground squirrel and chipmunk species are classified as non-game animals by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and are protected under ARS Title 17-309.

Often mistaken as a Chipmunk. The one above was photographed near the Valley of Fire, Nevada at the Northernmost part of their range. Identification. They are very similar in appearance. You might recognize the small rodents by the red stripes that cover their heads and backs and match their red tails. Arizona Chipmunks. Arizona gray squirrels prefer forests of large trees such as ponderosa pine, oak, and walnut. By Rachel Stieve While taking an early morning or late-afternoon walk through the forests in Northern Arizona, keep your eyes peeled for the Hopi chipmunk’s long, fuzzy tail slipping into rock crevices. In the enlargement notice the large claws used for digging.

The Hopi chipmunk (Tamias rufus) can be found in the Upper Sonoran desert in the states of Arizona, Utah and Colorado. This chipmunk also prefers the juniper bush as a source of food and shelter amongst the rocky earth of the desert.

However, may be controlled by any legal means if they are causing damage as per ARS Title 17-239. Their number has declined since 1959 when Abert’s squirrels arrived in the Rincon Mountains from their introduction site in the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains.