From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters, communities take root in the land and in water. We live, work, laugh and grow alongside our human and animal neighbors alike. We may not know their names or always see them, but we recognize their songs, their tracks and, when they’re gone, their absence.
When you think of Washington state, the smell or taste freshly brewed coffee from Seattle may come to mind, or perhaps you visualize iconic volcanoes like Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainer, or large, white ferries cruising the waters off the coast. Known as the Evergreen State, Washington is filled not only with an abundance of iconic tastes, sights and sounds but is also renowned for its lush evergreen forests and array of wildlife.
The state is astonishingly diverse with nine ecoregions, providing something for all who live and visit there. Including the smallest of residents.
Meet the Marmots of Washington
Washington is considered the best place in the United States to see one of the largest members of the squirrel family. These large burrowing rodents are known as marmots.
Washingtonians and tourists alike may catch sight of yellow-bellied marmots throughout the eastern and central parts of the state or a more elusive groundhog in the northeastern corner. Explorers of the Cascade Mountain Range and Selkirks may see the Hoary marmots at high elevations.
But Washingtonians and visitors of Olympic National Park may be most aware of the endemic Olympic marmot.
The Olympic marmots are exclusively found on the Olympic Peninsula, primarily at high elevations. They have the smallest range of any North American mammal.
While marmots don’t seasonally migrate out-of-state like many birds, there are certain times of the year you will not see these small mammals on the landscape. During the winter, marmots hibernate in their burrows, sheltered by snowpack, for up to 8 months. They are ‘true hibernators,’ meaning when temperatures drop and food availability is slim, they go into a deep slumber-like state to conserve energy.
Many species of marmot — including the Olympic, hoary and yellow-bellied — are highly social. They live together in colonies and have complex social systems. Think of it like our nuclear and extended families! They are also extremely playful and can often be seen “wrestling” each other.
The next time you take advantage of one of Washington’s incredible outdoor recreation areas, keep your ears open for these whistlepigs’ most common calls. All marmots are known for their loud vocalizations, like chucks, chirps, whistles, trills and screams.
They use these calls to communicate with fellow marmots and to raise the alarm if a predator is spotted nearby. Check out this video to hear the difference between a horary and Olympic marmot’s call (please be aware: they are high-pitched screams!).
Washington: A Global Hotspot
What’s the draw, for a marmot, to Washington? There are six marmot species found in North America and four are within Washington’s state lines and a fifth is found just across the border on the nearby Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
The state is a hotspot for marmots likely because of the high ecological diversity. Washington contains three of America’s major mountain chains: the Rockies in the east, Cascades in the central and Olympics in the west.
Combine the mountains with the peninsulas on the West coast and the state’s latitude and you will find isolated pockets of prime marmot habitat with separate populations which allow for the speciation we see today.
A Shared Home in Need of Protecting
The greatest threat to our alpine marmots is the warming climate leading to lower snowpack in high elevation areas. Snowpack is important for protecting these small mammals from the harsh winter weather while hibernating and keeping predators, like coyotes, from accessing high elevation areas. Human-wildlife conflicts are also a threat, as marmots are often viewed as a “pest” due to their burrowing behaviors and for being a rodent. The good news is, both Washingtonians and visitors to the Evergreen State can help.
Residents can protect their gardens and help reduce human-marmot conflicts by installing mesh fencing, buried at least a foot deep, or using natural repellents, such as coyote urine (yes, you can purchase this online!) or garlic-based sprays around their garden’s perimeter. You can also plant companion plants that are unappealing to marmots, such as garlic and mint.
Whether you are hiking in Olympic marmot territory, or spot a yellow-bellied marmot in town, feeding wild animals does more harm than good. It can lead to reduced fitness and potentially higher rates of predation. We love a chubby marmot as much as the next person, but please be sure to keep your distance and never approach them.
Before packing up to leave the trailhead or campground, be sure to inspect your vehicle for any stowaways. Marmots are notorious for hiding in the undercarriage, engine compartment or beds of vehicles.
Washington displays pride for its marmot residents through an amazing volunteer event. Every year, from July through August, ‘Marmoteers’ venture into the mountains of Olympic National Park to survey for marmots. They spend up to eight days hiking several miles over steep, uneven terrain through alpine habitat documenting the presence of Olympic marmots. Anyone interested in volunteering as a Marmoteer can apply between mid-January and June, but earlier the better as spots fill up fast!
Take Pride in Your Marmot Neighbors
Imagine Washington without its roasting coffee and fresh baked goods. Imagine the beautiful mountainous landscapes without squeaks and scurries of life darting among the underbrush as adventurers hike past. What would the Evergreen State look and sound like without its chubby and lively marmots? Drab.
The next time you take pride in being a Washingtonian, take pride in the small, wild explorers who share this home with you. “Marmoteer” at Olympic National Park. Make your garden less appealing to wildlife. Move through the landscape with the marmots in mind. And then, when you think you know it all about your fellow Washington marmots, challenge yourself to learn about the other wildlife sharing our beautiful home.
What's your favorite Washington wildlife? Have an incredible marmot story? Share with us in the comments! Then, stay tuned for our next wild locals in New Mexico.
Author
Kristin Botzet
