Description
Marmots are large furry members of the squirrel family. They are about the size of a small dog. They can be frequently seen and heard in mountainous terrain. Marmots typically live in burrows dug from the soil or within rockpiles. They hibernate in their burrows through the winter. Marmots are highly social animals and may be seen in families. To communicate, they whistle loudly, especially when alarmed. This Hoary Marmot (Marmota caligata) is feeding on wildflowers in the Paradise Meadows at Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State, USA.