Alpine marmot

Description:

This alpine marmot was unusually approachable, and was spotted digging for plant roots. Notice the roots in its mouth and the strong front teeth on the second shot.

Habitat:

Native to the European Alps. They prefer alpine meadows and high-altitude pastures above the tree line and live in deep burrow systems, where they hibernate huddled next to each other from October to April. Spotted here at 2000 m ASL. The last shot shows the marmot's habitat, an area where trees have been lost to a storm.

Notes:

Weighing up to 8 kg, alpine marmots are one of the largest of the Sciuridae. Their coat goes from dark brown to blonde though grey. You hear them before you see them! Marmots will whistle to each other warning for predators such as eagles.