Yellow-bellied Marmot pups at the entrance to their burrow – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
March is when I usually see my first of the year Yellow-bellied Marmot awake and above ground here in northern Utah. This year my first marmot sighting was in early February which was way too early for them to be out of their burrows.
I expect to see these furry creatures running around on the slopes of the mountains or on the rocks out in the desert very soon. For a few weeks I will only see the adult marmots and then I will start seeing their pups peeking out of their burrows.
The Yellow-bellied Marmot pups can be endlessly fascinating to observe and photograph as they explore around their burrows, play with each other, and rest in the warmth of the morning sun. The pups are very playful with each other.
Since our winter was so mild I wonder if I will see the marmot pups sooner than I have on previous years. Time will tell.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-bellied Marmot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Sooo cute! Thanks for sharing
These are great shots Mia!
Thanks! I’ve always enjoyed seeing marmots.
I want to snuggle those cute noses! Adorable, I hope you find a family or two they are so cute. I am dreadfully sad the den is gone were you spent so much time watching them grow up for years.
I can well understand what a treat they would be to see…
Delightful!