Learn to Whistle and Keep a Low Profile

The Marmot is a large, burrowing rodent of the squirrel family. They are native to Eurasia and North America. These burrowing rodents can be found in burrows on rocky mountain slopes, hillsides, and in alpine meadows. Groups of marmots are called colonies and the animals can live up to 15 years in the wild.  

There are three types of Marmots in Alberta, Canada.  They are the Groundhog Marmot, the Hoary Marmot and the Yellow-bellied Marmot.  All three Marmots can be found in the Rocky Mountains. The one you will encounter most often east of the Rockies is the Groundhog Marmot.  Groundhogs are slightly larger and less colourful than the Hoary Marmot or the Yellow-bellied Marmot. Groundhogs are less social than the other types of marmots and they will also burrow in more varied environments.

Marmots can be pretty aggressive and often become nuisances to gardeners, farmers, and homeowners due to their appetites and burrowing habits.  Marmots hibernate in underground burrows for about eight months of the year during the winter.  In preparation for winter, Marmots cover their tunnel entrances with dirt and plants to hide from predators.  While they are inactive they burn stored fat and slow down their vitals to survive. 

Marmots are active in the daytime and they use their burrows for sleeping, rearing their young, and for hibernating.  A marmot burrow can stretch up to 65 feet long and be five feet deep.  You can see a mound of dirt near the main entrance hole of each burrow.

Yellow-bellied marmots are herbivores.  They feed on the leaves and blossoms of plants and grasses.  They also eat grains, legumes, fruit, and insects. Marmots aren’t fond of the herbs and spices we use to season food.  The strong odours drive them away.  So the best way to get rid of marmots is to sprinkle pepper and hot pepper around your yard.  Other kinds of fragrant herbs can work too.     

These are the sayings on the bookmark called Advice from a Marmot.

• Keep a low profile

• Be social

• Make a cozy burrow

• Gnaw away at problems

• Eat plenty of greens

• Learn to whistle

• Always have an escape route!

Here are my comments about each of the sayings. 

• Keep a low profile - Avoid attracting attention to yourself.  Actions speak louder than words. 

• Be social - Be friendly and enjoy being with others. 

• Make a cozy burrow - Make your home a warm and inviting place.

• Gnaw away at problems - To gnaw is to chew.  Bite off problems and challenges in small steps. 

• Eat plenty of greens - Eat a healthy diet.

• Learn to whistle - Whistling is a calming activity. It can stimulate and grow your brain.   

• Always have an escape route! - Have a plan B.

Have a great day everyone.  Learn to whistle and Keep a Low Profile.  

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