Get Ready for Fat Marmot Week!

As summer unfolds across the Colorado Rockies, one of the region’s most recognizable mountain animals is entering the most important stage of its year. Marmots may appear irresistibly round and cuddly as they spend their days feeding in alpine meadows, but every bit of weight they gain serves a vital purpose. Those extra fat reserves will help them survive months of hibernation through a harsh mountain winter. To celebrate these remarkable animals while highlighting the challenges they face, scientists at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory have launched the first-ever Fat Marmot Week, inviting the public to cheer for their favorite chunky marmot in a fun and educational competition. Credit: Instagram The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, Colorado, has announced the very first Fat Marmot Week, with voting running from Aug. 24 through Aug. 29. Inspired by Alaska’s popular Fat Bear Week, the event allows the public to vote for their favorite marmot in a fun bracket-style competition that celebrates the animals’ incredible seasonal transformation. Marmots are the largest members of the squirrel family. During the short mountain summer, they work almost nonstop eatin...