Climate change is putting Colorado’s marmots at risk—and the state’s first-ever Fat Marmot Week aims to save them.

The stark reality of a warming planet is casting a long shadow over the vibrant alpine ecosystems of Colorado, directly impacting one of its most charismatic residents: the yellow-bellied marmot. In response to a winter that proved devastatingly lethal for these hibernating mammals, the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab (RMBL) has launched an innovative and engaging initiative, Colorado’s inaugural "Fat Marmot Week." This event, mirroring the popular "Fat Bear Week" held annually at Katmai National Park in Alaska, invites wildlife enthusiasts and concerned citizens alike to cast their votes for one of eight of Colorado’s plumpest marmots, celebrating their resilience and raising crucial awareness about the threats they face.

The competition, designed to be both endearing and educational, was born out of a deeply concerning trend observed by RMBL researchers. Yellow-bellied marmots, much like bears, undergo a critical period of weight gain during the summer months. This fat accumulation is not merely a cosmetic feature; it is a biological imperative, providing the essential energy reserves necessary to survive the long and harsh alpine winter through hibernation. In a typical year, the insulating properties of a deep snowpack act as a natural blanket, protecting marmot burrows from extreme temperature fluctuations. However, in recent years, this vital insulation has been increasingly compromised by reduced snowfall and earlier snowmelt, directly attributable to the escalating impacts of climate change.

This past winter served as a grim testament to this alarming environmental shift. According to data from the Colorado Climate Center, by April 1st of this year, the statewide snowpack was a mere 22 percent of the 1991-2020 median. While this scenario was a boon for some early-season hikers and a disappointment for winter sports enthusiasts, its implications for hibernating wildlife were catastrophic. The lack of adequate snow cover meant that underground temperatures plummeted, forcing hibernating marmots to expend far more of their stored energy reserves to maintain their body temperature. This increased metabolic demand, coupled with potentially shorter foraging seasons in warmer months, puts them at a significant disadvantage when it comes to accumulating the necessary fat stores for survival.

The findings from the RMBL Marmot Project underscore the severity of the situation. Researchers reported that out of 160 marmots they monitored, a staggering number – only 60 – survived the most recent winter. This represents the largest recorded die-off in the six decades that the study has been actively observing these animals. While longer summers might seem beneficial for weight gain, the delicate balance of an alpine ecosystem means that the timing and duration of crucial biological processes are intricately linked to predictable seasonal patterns. When these patterns are disrupted by climate change, the consequences can be dire for species like the marmot, which rely on these predictable cycles for their survival.

Fat Marmot Week is RMBL’s creative and engaging response to this crisis. The initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation for yellow-bellied marmots and the complex science underpinning their seasonal weight gain. More importantly, it serves as a vital platform for fundraising efforts dedicated to supporting the ongoing research and conservation of these animals. This is not the first time RMBL has employed innovative strategies to secure funding and attention for their marmot research. Earlier this year, the organization launched "OnlyMarms," a PG-rated social media account that utilized humor to garner support after facing a loss of funding. This initial campaign successfully raised $6,000. Building on this momentum, a new marmot-themed cryptocurrency, ($OnlyMarms), was developed by enthusiastic supporters. These outside collaborators donated proceeds from the cryptocurrency to the study, channeling approximately $100,000 in additional value to the program.

Fat Marmot Week represents another significant RMBL endeavor designed to educate the public about these fascinating mammals and their integral role within the broader alpine ecosystem. By participating in the voting, individuals not only engage with the charming personalities of the competing marmots but also contribute to the financial future of the research that seeks to understand and protect them. The competition highlights the daily struggle for survival these animals face, with their foraging efforts in the summer directly dictating their chances of making it through the coming winter. As the RMBL eloquently stated in an Instagram post announcing the competition, "This summer the marmots of RMBL will be foraging their hearts out to decide on who will be crowned the fattest of them all, and more importantly who will survive the winter ahead. The rules? Simple. The stakes? Enormous."

The voting for Fat Marmot Week commenced on August 24th and will continue through August 28th. The triumphant winner, crowned the "fattest" and thus presumably the most well-prepared for winter, will be announced during a celebratory event on August 29th. This event will not only reveal the victor but also serve as a final push for donations and a recap of the week’s educational outreach.

For those inspired to witness these robust rodents in their natural habitat, the good news is that unlike the remote Alaskan wilderness required to spot Fat Bears, Colorado’s Fat Marmots are accessible to many. While sightings can occur anywhere above the treeline in the state, certain iconic Fourteener routes offer particularly good opportunities for encountering these chubby ground squirrels – yes, biologically speaking, these large, furry creatures are indeed squirrels.

One prime location for spotting these impressive marmots is Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. While reaching the summit via the challenging Keyhole Route (a strenuous 15-mile round-trip trek) is an option for experienced hikers, significant sightings of marmots can be made even in the Boulder Field, well below the final push to the summit. The sheer size of some of the individuals observed in this area attests to their successful summer foraging.

Another accessible option is Quandary Peak. While all Fourteeners demand respect and preparation, Quandary is considered one of the more approachable peaks, with a manageable 6.7-mile round-trip hike and a well-defined route that hugs the ridge. Marmots, along with other high-altitude wildlife like mountain goats, are frequently spotted on the shoulder of the mountain, just before the final ascent to the summit. This offers a fantastic opportunity for both a rewarding hike and a chance to observe these alpine dwellers.

For a dual Fourteener experience and an excellent chance to see marmots, the Grays and Torreys Peaks route is highly recommended. This 17.7-mile point-to-point journey allows hikers to tag the summits of two majestic peaks in a single outing. The route traverses the highest point on the Continental Divide Trail, the 14,278-foot Grays Peak. As hikers navigate the rocky terrain, keeping a keen eye out among the scree and boulders can lead to rewarding sightings of marmots foraging in their natural, rugged environment.

The success of Fat Marmot Week hinges on its ability to translate public fascination into tangible support for marmot conservation. As climate change continues to alter the delicate balance of alpine ecosystems, initiatives like this become increasingly vital. They not only highlight the immediate threats to species like the yellow-bellied marmot but also serve as a broader call to action for addressing the root causes of climate change. By engaging the public through a fun and accessible competition, RMBL hopes to secure the long-term future of these iconic Colorado creatures and the wild landscapes they inhabit. The health of the marmot population is, in many ways, a barometer for the health of the entire alpine environment, making their survival a critical concern for the ecological well-being of the state. The science behind their hibernation cycles, their dietary needs, and their susceptibility to environmental shifts provides invaluable data for understanding the broader impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems, making the research funded by Fat Marmot Week of paramount importance.