The Yellow-Bellied Marmot, also called the whistle pig or rock chuck, is a medium-sized rodent that uses the rocky areas of Canada and the western United States for safety and burrowing. Scientifically identified as Marmota flaviventris, the Yellow-Bellied Marmot gets its name from the yellow fur that can be found on its belly. The rest of its coat consists of brown fur with white spots and patches around its eyes.
The Yellow-Bellied Marmot typically lives in colonies consisting of up to twenty individuals, all of which spend their time residing in their burrows situated on hills or cliffsides. The significant time spent in burrows is also due to hibernation.
Yellow-Bellied Marmots have a height of 9.4”-13.4” (24-34 cm), body length between 18.5”-27.5” (47-70 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 3.5-11 lb (1.6-5 kg). The tail length of a Yellow-Bellied Marmot is 5.1”-8.7” (13-22 cm). Yellow-Bellied Marmots have a typical lifespan of 12-15 years in the wild and up to 21 years in captivity.
The Yellow-Bellied Marmot, also called the whistle pig or rock chuck, is a medium-sized rodent that uses the rocky areas of Canada and the western United States for safety and burrowing. Scientifically identified as Marmota flaviventris, the Yellow-Bellied Marmot gets its name from the yellow fur that can be found on its belly. The rest of its coat consists of brown fur with white spots and patches around its eyes.
The Yellow-Bellied Marmot typically lives in colonies consisting of up to twenty individuals, all of which spend their time residing in their burrows situated on hills or cliffsides. The significant time spent in burrows is also due to hibernation.
Yellow-Bellied Marmots have a height of 9.4”-13.4” (24-34 cm), body length between 18.5”-27.5” (47-70 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 3.5-11 lb (1.6-5 kg). The tail length of a Yellow-Bellied Marmot is 5.1”-8.7” (13-22 cm). Yellow-Bellied Marmots have a typical lifespan of 12-15 years in the wild and up to 21 years in captivity.
