Mammal · GBIF taxon 2437369
Yellow-bellied Marmot
Marmota flaviventrisAlso known as Rock Chuck, Yellowbelly Marmot
Yellow-bellied marmots spend their sunny summer days foraging in alpine meadows and sunbathing on rocky outcrops, which serve as lookout posts for predators. These highly social rodents live in colonies dominated by a single territorial male and several breeding females, communicating through a series of sharp, high-pitched whistles when danger approaches. By late summer, they double their body weight to survive an incredibly long eight-month hibernation deep within their rocky burrows.
DiurnalSocialAlpine
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Wildflowers
- Insects
Predators
- Coyotes
- Golden eagles
- Badgers
ThreatsClimate change reducing snowpack, habitat fragmentation, and domestic dog attacks
HabitatsAlpine meadows, talus slopes, rocky outcrops, and montane forests
Life spanUp to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySciuridae
- SpeciesMarmota flaviventris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a painful bite if cornered; observe their social colonies from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with strong incisors and sharp claws, they can inflict deep bites and scratches if cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a large, heavy-bodied rodent with a yellowish chest, grizzled brown fur, and a white patch between the eyes.
- What to do
- Never attempt to feed or touch them; maintain a distance of at least fifteen feet.
Responsible observation
- Listen for alarms: Pay attention to their sharp, bird-like chirps, which signal that they have spotted you or another intruder.
- Scan the rocks: Look for their silhouettes sunbathing on large boulders, which they use as thermal heat pads and lookout points.
- Keep dogs leashed: Keep pets on a leash in alpine zones to prevent stressful chases and protect marmot colonies.
Predator Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Cephas / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Braden J. Judson · cc0
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