eChipmunks

What species of chipmunk is Alvin, simon, and theodore from Alvin and the chipmunks based from?

I know that no chipmunk actually looks like they do, but I have done some research and I think from their back strips and the way they run with their tails horizontal, that they might be based from an Uinta chipmunk, But i'm not sure. Am I right in my research? also we have to take into question that they are from California I think. So any answers would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Public Comments

1. well they're not based on any specific species. Janice (the wife of thre son of the creator of the chipmunks) said that she was sure there was some species of chipmunk that looks like that out there. so they just tried to make it look like they were chipmunks. not any specific species. =)
2. I've asked before Alvin Simon and Theodore are all Eastern Chipmunks