Family: Sciuridae, Squirrels view all from this family

Description A large marmot. Silver-gray above, with brownish rump; whitish belly. Distinctive black and whitish markings on head and shoulders: nose and large patch between eyes whitish; patches on forehead around eyes and ears black; often has black band on snout above nose. Tail large, reddish brown, bushy. Ears small. Feet black or very dark brown; forefeet may have white spots. L 17 3/4–32" (450–820 mm); T 6 3/4–9 7/8" (170–250 mm); HF 3 5/8–4" (91–102 mm); Wt 8–20 lb (3.6–9 kg).

Similar Species Olympic Marmot, found only in Olympic Mountains of Washington, is brown on head and chest, and has dark brown feet. Yellow-bellied Marmot is yellowish. Woodchuck has grizzled brown head and body.

Breeding Mating occurs soon after emergence in spring; 4 or 5 young are born about a month later. 1 litter per year.

Habitat Talus slopes in mountains, alpine meadows, and cliffs.

Range Alaska and Yukon Territory south to Washington, n Idaho, and w Montana.

Discussion The Hoary Marmot’s silvery fur, which offers good camouflage in its rocky habitat, gave rise to its common name, and its dark feet to its Latin species name (caligata means "booted"). Its shrill alarm whistle, louder than that of other marmots and similar to a human whistle, accounts for the nickname "Whistler." In late summer, the Hoary Marmot puts on a great deal of fat, which sustains the animal through hibernation. In the more southerly parts of its range it hibernates from October to February, in British Columbia from September to April. This marmot feeds almost entirely on grasses and many other kinds of green plants. An individual may chase others from feeding grounds it considers its own. These marmots often engage in wrestling matches in which two animals stand erect on their hindlegs, place their forefeet together, then push at each other. Many carnivores prey on the Hoary Marmot; while its rocky habitat provides good escape cover, bears often dig up individuals that are still hibernating in early spring. Native peoples of the far north use its pelt, which has soft, dense underfur, to make parkas, and they eat its meat.