Walter The Marmot (and Walter the Peak)

I had to include this picture and this blog. My new favorite creature (other than the domestic canine) is the marmot. We had the pleasure of meeting a bunch of them on the way up to Wheeler Peak. This is Walter (named for the peak he inhabits...in fact his little rock den is at the base of the sign for Walter Peak as you can see). Walter became my friend quickly...in fact he even came over and nibbled on my shoe...no joke. Anyone else get that close to a marmot and live to tell about it? (Lick the marmot? Lick the human.) In case you don't know much about marmots (like me) than here is a little more information:


There are 14 recognized species of marmots. Though most live in alpine or subalpine meadows, you may also be familiar with some of their lowland cousins: the woodchuck, groundhog, and prairie dog. They are members of the rodent family, thought of as large ground squirrels. They eat flowers, roots and seeds, but also the occasional egg of a ground nesting bird. North American varieties are hosts for the tick that carries Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The particular variety encountered in New Mexico is the yellow-bellied marmot. Usually one male will guard and mate with several famales in his harem. Daughters will likey remain close to their mothers, while male offspring will head off after a year to find their own females. Marmots do hibernate in winter.

They are fun-loving, playful, and often prized for both their fur and as a delicacy (in some parts of the world).