USPS Releases New Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow Forever Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service has released a new set of Forever stamps featuring squirrels and chipmunks making their way through snowy winter scenes. The Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow stamps debuted at the Milcopex stamp show in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The set features three familiar animals, the eastern chipmunk, eastern gray squirrel and American red squirrel, photographed against wintry backgrounds. USPS is offering the stamps in booklets of 20 containing four different designs.

Two of the designs feature eastern chipmunks. One photograph by Fiona M. Donnelly captures a chipmunk holding its paws to its mouth while feeding, while a second image by Martha M. Stewart shows a chipmunk with its cheeks filled with food. The other designs feature an eastern gray squirrel photographed by Matt Prosser while eating and an American red squirrel photographed by Ross Taylor with its small paws raised to its mouth. USPS art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps using the existing photographs.

Noyes said the animals’ expressions were a major part of what attracted her to the images. Although squirrels and chipmunks are common sights, the close-up photographs provide a different look at animals people often see only from a distance. She also noted that while animals have appeared on previous stamps in winter settings, this is the first issue to specifically highlight these familiar small creatures.

The snowy settings also reflect how each species handles colder weather. Eastern gray squirrels continue searching for food during winter and build elevated nests known as dreys, some sturdy enough to withstand severe winter conditions. They rely on their sense of smell to locate stored food and can tunnel through snow to reach hidden supplies. American red squirrels grow thicker coats and fluffy ear tufts during the colder months while continuing to search for foods including pine nuts, berries and sap. On especially cold days, they retreat to tree shelters or occasionally underground. Eastern chipmunks take a different approach, preparing during warmer months by filling their burrows with nuts and seeds. During winter they spend extended periods sleeping, waking periodically to eat from their stored food supplies. On milder days, they may briefly leave their burrows before returning underground.

Viewed together as a booklet, the four photographs show the animals’ faces emerging from the snow, creating what Noyes described as a playful and uplifting effect. The designs are intended to capture both the resourcefulness of the animals and the lighter side of seeing squirrels and chipmunks navigating winter.

All four designs are being issued as Forever stamps, meaning they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate regardless of future postage price changes. The Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow stamps are available at Post Office locations nationwide and through the USPS Postal Store.