Yellow-bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris) What they look like: Marmots are large burrowing rodents, about the size of a housecat, found in the Northern Hemisphere. Yellow-bellied Marmots are mammals with grizzled brownish fur, a yellow belly, and whitish spot between eyes. They have small round ears, a short white muzzle and black nose. The body is heavy-set with short legs and a furry reddish-brown tail. Male marmots are heavier than females.
Where they live: In Washington, this marmot is always at lower elevations, in more arid situations than the Hoary Marmot. It requires sufficient rocks for shelter and burrows and abundant vegetation for food nearby. Click the range map to learn more about the distribution of Yellow-bellied Marmot in Washington. What they eat: Yellow-bellied marmots are herbivores - feeding on the leaves and blossoms of a variety of plants and grasses. Their also eat grains, legumes, fruit, and occasionally insects. Behavior: Yellow-bellied marmots are mainly diurnal. They spend most of the time on the ground (terrestrial), but occasionally will climb shrubs and trees. They hibernate from September to May, although hibernation length varies with elevation. The hibernation burrows may be up to 5-7 meters deep, while their regular burrows are about 1 meter under ground. Yellow-bellied marmots whistle, chuck, and trill when alarmed by predators.
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Yellow-bellied Marmot photo by Natures Pics More information: The Marmot Burrow - UCLA Marmot Lore 101 - the lighter side of marmots More photos: Yellow-bellied Marmot Photos |
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Photos: Natures Pics
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