Alpine marmot

Some of the Alps’ most charismatic little residents

Giles Laurent


Alpine marmot

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Some of the Alps’ most charismatic little residents

Population

One of the squirrel family’s most charming and social members, living high up in the mountains of central and southern Europe, including the Alps, Carpathians, and Pyrenees. With its chunky body, short legs, and thick fur, it resembles a mix between a groundhog and a giant hamster, perfectly built for life in cold alpine meadows. Their fur is usually a mix of gray, brown, and golden tones, helping them blend into rocky grasslands. But what really makes Alpine marmots special isn’t just how they look—it’s how they live.

Unlike many solitary rodents, Alpine marmots are extremely social, living in extended family groups of up to 20 individuals. Each family digs an elaborate burrow system with tunnels and chambers that can be several meters deep. These burrows are more than just homes—they are cozy fortresses against predators and, most importantly, winter shelters. Alpine marmots are among the few mammals that practice true hibernation, sleeping for up to six months of the year. During this time, they huddle together for warmth and survive on thick fat reserves built up during summer. Their hibernation is so deep that their body temperature drops to near freezing, and their heart rate slows dramatically, making them masters of energy conservation.

Alpine marmots also have a distinctive way of communicating: their famous whistling calls. These high-pitched, sharp whistles are used to warn each other of danger, like approaching eagles, foxes, or even humans. Different whistles can mean different threats—short, repeated whistles may signal a predator in the sky, while longer ones might warn of danger on the ground. Because they are diurnal, or active during the day, you can often hear these warning calls echoing across alpine valleys when marmots spot danger. Their social nature and teamwork make them stand out among mountain wildlife, where many animals survive alone.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Andorra
2023
Introduced
Austria
2023
France
2023
Germany
2023
Italy
2023
Liechtenstein
2023
Poland
2023
Romania
2023
Reintroduced
Slovakia
2023
Slovenia
2023
Spain
2023
Introduced
Switzerland
2023

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No