Our Wild Neighbors
Yellow-Bellied Marmot
Marmota flaviventris
Likes to dig holes and lives in the dry zones of the Rocky Mountains and Canadian Prairies
© Tom Skinner Photo
Description of the animal
- Large burrowing rodent (50 to 70 cm), closely related to the squirrel and prairie dog.
- Brown fur, greyish tinge on its back and golden colour on its stomach.
- Whitish spot between the eyes.
- Short rounded ears, black nose and short, small muzzle.
- Stocky body.
- Short legs.
- Male’s weight: 3 to 5 kg.
- Female’s weight: 1.6 to 4 kg.
Habitat and needs
- Lives in colonies of 10 to 20 marmots.
- Communicates by producing different sounds and whistles to warn of danger.
- Likes dry habitats: steppes, prairies, talus slopes, meadows, and other open or disturbed areas where the ground is easy to dig up.
- Builds three types of burrows: house, exit tunnel, and hibernating area for autumn and winter.
- Accumulates fat during spring and summer to prepare for hibernation from October to May.
- Is polygamous. The male has a harem of up to four females.
- Enjoys a mostly vegetarian diet. A marmot may at times eat insects and bird eggs.
Relationship
- Its burrow weakens urban infrastructure.
- The marmot eats garden vegetables and loves flowers.
- Abandoned burrows can attract other species seeking shelter.
- As a burrowing animal, the marmot contributes to soil ventilation.
Living with them
- To prevent yard plants from being damaged by marmots, plant clover – its favourite – near its burrow.
- If needed, install an electric fence around the garden.
- To displace a marmot, insert rags soaked with ammonia, naphthalene, or simulated dog or fox urine in its burrow.
Participating cities where this animal has been seen
- Vernon, British Columbia (Get more info)