Hoary Marmot - Mountain Whistler

The hoary marmot or whistler keeps a strict watch over its home territory in the high mountains of northwestern America and northeastern Siberia. Whenever a stranger enters its realm this big marmot sounds a danger signal - a shrill high pitched whistle that can be heard a mile away. The community of six or more usually has one individual serving as the lookout to give the piercing alarm whistle. Possible dangers include prowling bears, wolves, wolverines and other carnivores that can stop by at anytime. Eagles can also occasionally take away a young marmot. The marmots also have very good eyesight like many animals that live high up in the mountains.

For about nine months of the year, the marmot is in a deep sleep waiting out the winter and the other three months it has to work pretty diligently to pack on the weight. Their fur is reddish brown with white tips (that's the hoary part) and they weigh up to about 20 pounds. They live at high altitudes up to 8,200 ft (2,500 m).