Hoary Marmot

activity

Activity patterns. Hoary Marmots are diurnal. They are only active for 4 - 5 months each summer and hibernate in burrows for the remaining 7 - 8 months ofthe year. It hibernates as family groups beginning in September — October.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Open rocky talus slopes and alpine tundra naturally fragmented and disjunct.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Burrows are relatively complex with multiple entrances and extend up to 3 m underground. Hoary Marmots overwinter in communal groups and are highly social. They typically live in family groups of dominant male, adult female (s), yearlings, young-of-the-year, and subordinate males that live on periphery of dominant male’s home range. Dominant females suppress reproductive activity of other females in colonies. Monogamy and polygyny can occur in a single colony, suggesting facultative mating system. Communication occurs by scent marking and vocalizations. High-pitched vocalizations convey risk of predation and also differ for terrestrial and aerial predators. Alarm call is a relatively simple, high-pitched whistle.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. The Hoary Marmot lives in multi-burrow colonies and appears to mate in burrows or soon after spring emergence. Every two years, females give birth to litters of 4 - 5 young.

Sciuridae