Nature Walks – Mischievous Marmots

Marmots are large, herbivorous ground squirrels known for their stout bodies and deep underground burrows. As some of the largest members of the squirrel family, they are famous for spending up to half the year in deep hibernation and for using loud whistles to alert their colonies to predators. There are 15 species worldwide. In Colorado, the Yellow-bellied Marmot is the most common, while hikers in places like Glacier or Washington state might spot the Hoary Marmot. Sometimes they are called whistle pigs, because when threatened by predators (like eagles, coyotes, or badgers), they emit a piercing whistle. They live in rocky, mountainous talus slopes and alpine meadows where they can easily sunbathe, forage, and dig deep burrows to escape the cold. They don’t store food for the winter. Instead, they gorge themselves during the summer, packing on layers of fat, and then hibernate for 6 to 8 months.

We made it to the peak of Rocky Mountain National Park, up to Alpine Peak, at 11,796 feet above sea level.

There was still quite a lot of snow up there, and it was considerably cooler than it was at the lower elevations.

The cooler weather didn’t seem to bother the marmots though. In fact, they liked it and were out playing hide & seek and running all around and having a lot of fun. Some where even posing for my camera too, and they seemed to love the attention.

You’re never too old to have fun and play around. Life is short. Make the most out of everyday and live life to the fullest. Enjoy the ride. Be like the marmots, and be a little mischievous. ‘Til next time.