Fun Friday: Yellow-Bellied Marmot Youngsters

Today’s “Fun Friday” post comes from the roadside, on the way to the top of Mount Evans, from my 2012 trip. I had some more experiences with the Yellow-bellied Marmots this year, but not quite like last year. So, I thought I’d re-post it today, so enjoy!

As we neared the top, we ran across some Bighorn Sheep grazing on the side of the road. Pulling over, I photographed the sheep for a few minutes and then noticed an adult and 2 juvenile Yellow-bellied Marmots (Marmota flaviventris) just up the road. I walked across the road from the marmots (to keep from frightening them) and worked my way up the hill. Once I reached some large rocks, I made myself comfortable and began shooting.

The pair of juveniles heard my camera’s drive working and sat up and looked directly at me:

Pair of juvenile Yellow-bellied Marmots watching me

 

 

I didn’t hear anything, but I’m sure one of the youngsters must have said to the other, “Look, a photographer … Say Cheeeeeeese!”:

Pair of juvenile Yellow-bellied Marmots "smiling" at me photographing them

 

Or, were they simply sticking their tongues out at me?

Yellow-bellied marmots are common at higher altitudes in the Colorado mountains. They are sometimes called by other, less familar common names, such as rockchuck, mountain marmot and Yellow-footed marmot. If you ever come across them in your travels, especially the juveniles, they are a “must see”! :o)

 

 

Posted in Mammals, Nature Photography, Travel Photography
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