Hoary marmot
Scientific name: Marmota caligata
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Hoary marmots are stocky, robust ground squirrels with grizzled gray-brown fur that appears frosted or 'hoary,' particularly on the head and shoulders. Adults display minimal sexual dimorphism, though males may be slightly larger; they have short legs, small rounded ears, and a moderately bushy tail.
Size and weight
Adults typically weigh 2.5–4.5 kg, with body length of 46–60 cm including a 13–20 cm tail. Males average slightly heavier than females.
Habitat
Hoary marmots inhabit alpine and subalpine meadows, rocky slopes, and talus fields in mountainous terrain, typically between 1,500 and 3,000 m elevation. They require areas with scattered vegetation, rock outcrops for burrows, and good visibility for predator detection.
Distribution
Hoary marmots are found in the high mountains of northwestern North America, from southeastern Alaska through western Canada to the Cascade and Rocky Mountain ranges. They occupy the highest accessible alpine meadows within their range.
Diet
Hoary marmots are herbivorous, feeding on alpine grasses, forbs, berries, and lichen; they focus on green vegetation during summer months and cached plant material in late season.
Behaviour
They are diurnal and highly social, living in loose colonies with multiple burrow systems. Activity peaks in early morning and late afternoon; they are vocal, using whistles and chirps for alarm and communication, and spend significant time sunbathing on rocks.
Hunting tips
Glass alpine basins and ridges from a distance during morning and late afternoon when marmots are most active; approach from above or crosswind on open slopes, using terrain folds for cover. Watch for alarm whistle cascades indicating disturbance and for animals sunning on prominent rocks. Stalking requires patience and slow movement across open ground where concealment is minimal; closing distance during their feeding bouts yields best results.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
- noHvitskuldret murmeldyr
- svGråmurmeln
- daGrå murmeldyr
- fiHarmaamurmeli
- deGraumurmeltier
- frMarmotte des Rocheuses
- esMarmota canosa
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.