The Siberian chipmunk is the most widespread of the Eurasian ground squirrels that inhabit the taiga. When foraging during spring and summer, the chipmunk, like the hamster, carries food in its cheek pouches. It takes some of this food back to its underground den to store for winter. During the cold months, the chipmunk remains in its burrow and spends much of the time sleeping, waking periodically to feed.