While it is approximately the same size as a Woodchuck, the Yellow-Bellied Marmot's unmistakeable yellow undersides make it easy to identify. It also sports a golden to rufous coat, a brown head, a yellow patch on either side of its neck and a yellow belly. INFO: Tawny-brown body, distinct, yellow undersides and highlights, pale spot between eyes, bushy tail. Size: Length 19-28 inches (48-71 cm), weight 5-10 lbs. (2.3-4.5 kg) Habitat: Rocky areas, valleys, rolling hills. Nesting: Burrows Colonies of Yellow-Bellied Marmots have a strict social order, and banishment by the dominant male is the pusnishment for insubordination. Despite the rules, however, Yellow-Bellied Marmots sleep late, eat heartily and snooze dreamily on warm rocks in the sun. Whenever members of a Yellow-Bellied Marmot colony are eating or wrestling with their family members, at least one marmot plays watchdog. This sentinel is responsible for warning the others if danger approaches. The alarm call is a loud chirp, which may vary in duration and intensity depending on the nature of the threat. They are very inquisitive animals. This one was taken at some rock outcroppings in the Lewis Falls area of Yellowstone
22 Comments
bianca 06 Apr 2007
NOW this is one of great photos you capture gary.....these animals are very interesting...when i capture mine,......he played great game with me...back and for....dont see that many around...i captured mine in colorado....i had a great time picturing him..this is sure AWSOME ....u sure got close to him...great photoMaggi Carstairs 29 Sep 2005
Love this baby...Stunning...Peter Leahy 20 Jul 2005
fabulous capture Gary, looks like you were in neighboring burrow when you took the shotNancy Woolweber 20 Jul 2005
I bet that little nose was just twitching! Great catch.eileen martin 20 Jul 2005
fantastic detailed shot, he is so cute:)Jan Christensen 19 Jul 2005
Oh my gosh this is guy is cute! What a great shot!Les Jobes 19 Jul 2005
Nice shot.. they are so cute how they pop up and down all the time, soundinf out warnings. Necessary, if they don't want to become someones dinner! Cute photo :o)thea walstra 19 Jul 2005
Super shot gary.Loredana 19 Jul 2005
Wonderful shot Garry very cute expression on its face well composed :)Diana Hume 19 Jul 2005
How cute! What a surprised little expression on he face!Charlotte Ottilo 19 Jul 2005
Would love to know what he is thinking,..Adorable shot Gary...Pat Goff 19 Jul 2005
Wow, what a super shot! He's got quite the look on his face.sher richardson 19 Jul 2005
what a charmer... i love the expression on his little animal face, and the colours within the whole photo, so earthy and professional... wonderful depth in the background... : )Reba McDonald 19 Jul 2005
A charmer.. Love the expression.Pat Abbott 19 Jul 2005
Oh, I just love his little face. You captured such an adorable expression. The dark green muted background shows him off nicely too.Tabitha Borges 19 Jul 2005
so nice the subject and close-up...Joke Schotting 19 Jul 2005
So lovely Gary!!!!!joan warburton 19 Jul 2005
Oh look at that expression! This is adorable! Beautiful photo!Emily Reed 19 Jul 2005
Oh he is cute.craig moline 19 Jul 2005
Great looking capture Gary. Wonderful job of isolating your main subject.jennifer blenkinsopp 19 Jul 2005
very cute, nice shot.Bluemoonshadow 19 Jul 2005
What a cute expression... great catch once again, Gary..:-)