Hoary Marmot - Definition and Overview

Hoary Marmot
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Sciuridae Subfamily: Sciurinae Genus: Marmota Species: M. caligata
Binomial name
Marmota caligata (Eschscholtz, 1829)

The Hoary Marmot (Marmota caligata) is found in the mountains of northwest North America. It is often nicknamed the "Whistler" for the high-pitched warning issued to alert other members of the colony to possible danger. This is the largest North American ground squirrel.

They live on alpine slopes with grasses and plants to eat and rocky areas for cover.

The "hoary" in their name refers to the silver-grey fur on their shoulders and upper back; the remainder of the upper parts are mainly covered in reddish brown fur. The underparts are greyish. They have a white patch on the muzzle and black feet and lower legs.

These animals hibernate 7 to 8 months in a year. Mating occurs after hibernation and 2 to 4 young are born in the spring. Males establish "harems", but may also visit females in other territories.

Predators include golden eagles; grizzly and black bears; and wolves.

Whistler, British Columbia is said to be named for these animals.

Example Usage of Marmot