Why Do Chipmunks Chirp So Bad? [Explained]

Listening to the sounds of chipmunks can feel like a bird chirping. But, when they sing on a high note, it can bleed your ear badly.

The reason why do chipmunks chirp is that they feel threats, spot predator animals, or look for mates. During this period, the pest can call in different tones, sometimes high-pitched or low-pitched sounds.

To understand the topic clearly, this guide will help you figure out the 3 reasons why they chirp and shout like crazy. Keep On Reading to Find More…

Table of Contents

Chipmunks Do Chirp a Lot for These Reasons

You must be wondering why do chipmunks make a clucking sound as they keep on screaming which wakes you up in the early morning. This little pest makes bird-like sounds because of mating season, fear, or fighting with predator creatures. Here are the details:

Mating Season

Being professional vocalists, when searching for their mates, the chipmunks will make ‘chuck, chuck, chuck’ noises. Most of the time, the female ones make this kind of sound.

After the hibernation period, they come back to active mode and look for their mate here and there. Learn when do chipmunks come out of hibernation.

During this season, they make various kinds of calls to impress the male chipmunks and locate them in order to fulfill their desire of mating.

Once the female chipmunks find the male ones and complete the mating stuff, it takes some days. After that, they have a gestation period of 31 – 32 days. That’s when do chipmunks have babies.

Startled Behavior

Chipmunks are cowardly animals that can get frightened pretty easily even if nothing happens. If they feel unsafe and get startled, they will run quickly in the direction of their nests while making a nonstop loud noise like ‘squeak, squeak, squeak’ or ‘chip chaps.’

Creatures like them usually call when feeling fear or unsafe if spotting a predator noise around their zone. On a regular basis, they will make a sudden burst of noise which is a high-pitched chirp if feel fear.

Fighting With Predators

If chipmunks locate an enemy in their zone, they can make 3 different noises in diverse pitches when the predator animal is present. These includes:

High frequency sounds with the downward slope in presence of Mammalian creatures– 9600 to 2800 Hz
Lower frequency sounds with the downward slope in presence of Avian predators – 2500 to 400 Hz
Multi-note sounds with 6 – 11 downward slopes when fleeing from enemies – 7300 to 800 Hz

They shout the same word ‘chuck,’ but the difference is in the note as it raises and lowers like beats. When they feel fear and hopelessness, they scream out of their lungs at a higher frequency, especially against mammalian animals.

However, if dealing with Avian creatures, they make lower frequency in a more serious tone. In general, the chipmunks make multi-note sounds.

Do You Know: By speeding up the chipmunk chirp in the 2x range, you’ll find the Donald Duck effect sounds which are 1 octave higher.

Chipmunks Chirp in The Morning

They can chirp in the morning if sensing a danger from human or predator creatures. You’ll see their tail getting fluffy out of fear which causes them to make chirping noises, especially around the later summer to fall seasons.

Sometimes Chipmunks Chirp All Day!

Unlike usual, sometimes you can see the chipmunks screaming and making bird-like noises for a whole day. It happens if they feel pain in the body parts or sense animals which can harm them badly.

When they sense something like this, immediately they go to their nest to ensure protection. To know extra details on its home, check where do chipmunks nest.

Stop Chipmunks from Chirping!

Although it’s quite impossible, there are some tricks you can apply to stop them from chirping for a short time. Let’s look into the direction:

Place foods that chipmunks love to eat near them. It’ll keep them busy and distract them from focusing on other stuff (for example mating needs).
Spread wood, insulation, plastic, sheetrock, or wiring near their nest so they can play a good time. They will forget about other stuff if chewing these items.
If nothing works, simply use food scents that they dislike like garlic, mint, or pepper on your garden areas to get rid of them forever.

Wrapping Up

Locating the reasons why do chipmunks chirp a lot is essential if you want to stop it in the first place. It can be due to pain, fear, anger, or other emotions.

Just get rid of them by using the proper foods that they hate and never hear the pesky noises. I’ll Catch You in The Next Guide Soon!