The Yellow-bellied Marmot is a large, ground-dwelling squirrel of western mountain slopes recognized by its tawny yellow belly and grizzled brown back. It hibernates for up to eight months of the year, losing nearly half its body weight before emerging in spring. Marmots live in small colonies with a dominant male and use a shrill alarm whistle—earning them the local name 'whistle-pig'—when predators approach.
Habitat
Rocky mountain slopes, talus fields, and meadow margins
Diet
Grasses, forbs, and flowers
How common
Common
Recent Yellow-bellied Marmot sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Yellow-bellied Marmot? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free