Hoary Marmot
Largest of the North American sciurids, hoary marmots are usually found living in small groups of one male, several females, and their offspring.
Their common name refers to their pelage, which is often silvery-gray in color.
Early settlers called them whistlers because they let out a shrill whistle to warn others of a threat.
When not lying in the sun on lookout rocks, they are usually feeding on vegetation, eating the leaves, the flowers, and the seeds or berries.
They hibernate through the winter from October to May (longer or shorter depending on location), drawing on their accumulated fat deposits. Their dens are usually found under large boulders, which prevent large predators such as bears from digging them up.
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Name: Hoary Marmot (Marmota caligata)
Family: Sciuridae (Squirrels) Range: Northwestern United States through western Canada and into Alaska Habitat: Alpine and subalpine slopes Diet: Leaves, blossoms, grasses, seeds and occasionally meat Head and Body Length: 18 to 22 inches (45 to 57 cm) Tail Length: 5 to 9 inches (13 to 22 cm) Weight: 7 to 18 pounds (3 to 8 kg) Life Cycle: Mating April to May; gestation 25 to 30 days, two to five young born Description: Grizzled gray, black and brown fur; small, circular eyes; short, rounded, hairy ears; thick, slightly curved claws; hairless palms Conservation Status: Common |
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