WHISTLER OF THE MOUNTAINS

❃ Marmots are stocky, social rodents belonging to the squirrel family, built for life in mountains, meadows, and other open landscapes across the Northern Hemisphere. With sturdy bodies, powerful digging claws, and thick coats, they are well equipped for rugged environments. Many species live in underground burrow systems that provide shelter from predators, harsh weather, and changing temperatures.

❃ Famous for their piercing alarm calls, some marmots produce loud whistles when they spot danger, warning nearby members of the colony that a predator is approaching. They spend the warmer months feeding heavily on grasses, flowers, seeds, and other vegetation, building up fat reserves that will sustain them through the winter. Marmots are excellent diggers, creating burrows with chambers used for sleeping, raising young, and hiding from threats.

❃ When winter arrives, many marmot species retreat underground for an extraordinary period of hibernation that can last for several months. Their metabolism slows dramatically, conserving precious energy while snow covers their mountain homes. From their unmistakable whistles to their impressive winter survival strategy, marmots are wonderfully adapted residents of some of the world's most spectacular landscapes.