We heard this little fellow whistling at us from his safe haven on a rocky slope. (A loud whistle is the marmot alarm call.) He had a handy hole to dive into, so he wasn't too worried about Daisy.
He's a yellow-bellied marmot. We saw several of them as we hiked along at about 9500 feet. Isn't he cute?The 18-26 inch long Marmots inhabit burrows on rocky slopes on sides of mountain or a meadows. They live from 3 to 20 years eating forbs, clovers, alfalfa, grasses and occasionally insects. Foxes, badgers, bears, Eagles, and mountain lions prey on them. http://www.wildutah.us/
Hi Janie, The marmot knows what he's doing, doesn't it?????? I've heard them called a HUGE ground squirrel--but to me, they look like our groundhogs/woodchucks here...
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy
That little guy is pudgy - must've had a good meal of clover!
ReplyDeleteSo cute. Haven't seen any marmots since living in WA.
ReplyDeleteThat second shot is adorable!
ReplyDeleteHe's a cutie. I haven't seen a marmot since our honeymoon (1980) to Pike's Peak!
ReplyDeleteVery cute - who couldn't love a face like that? I guess he's a rodent, is he?
ReplyDeletehe is so cute...I've never seen one before...thank you for sharing..
ReplyDeleteHe is so cute!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see (or hear) a video of him whistling.
Janie, you capture so beautiful nature & the outdoors! I so appreciate your sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
I love your photos of the marmot. He certainly is a cute critter.
ReplyDeleteI've never even heard of one but he is adorable. That's a serious list of predators though- poor marmot!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture! I've seen marmots before but haven't had my camera with me.
ReplyDeletecute:)
ReplyDeleteAw, what great shots. I just love marmots.
ReplyDeletegreat picture of an elusive creature.
ReplyDelete