Alpine marmot in the Dolomites
The alpine marmot in the Dolomites is one of the most characteristic animals of the high mountains. Belonging to the squirrel family (Sciuridae), it is related to the squirrel, but unlike it, lives entirely on the ground and forms well-organised social groups.
It is one of the easiest animals to spot in the wildlife of the Dolomites. It is typically found above 1,500 metres, often between 1,900 and 2,600 metres, in rocky slopes and alpine meadows near the upper limit of the forest, where trees become sparse and give way to open, sunlit terrain.
Beyond the Alps, the alpine marmot is also found in the Carpathians and has been successfully reintroduced in the Pyrenees since 1948, where it had disappeared long ago.
Physical Characteristics
The alpine marmot in the Dolomites has a stocky and robust body, weighing up to 5–6 kg. It measures around 70 cm in length, with about 20 cm of that being its tail.
It is a plantigrade animal with strong legs and long, powerful claws, perfectly adapted for digging. The muzzle is short and broad, the head large and rounded, and the eyes, positioned laterally, provide a wide field of vision. The ears are small and rounded, almost hidden in the fur.
Its whiskers are essential for life underground, while its large incisors resemble those of a squirrel. The tail is dark, bushy, and ends in a black tip.
The fur is thick and coarse, grey-brown on the back and more reddish underneath. The average lifespan of an alpine marmot is around 15–18 years.
Predators of marmots
Marmots are prey to wolves, bears, weasels and birds of prey. The golden eagle is the most dangerous, while young marmots may also be taken by snakes, including the viper.
Paw prints
The footprint of the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) measures approximately 6 cm for both the front and hind paw.
Marmot footprints
Behavior
The alpine marmot in the Dolomites is a social and diurnal animal, living in family groups that can be quite large. During the day it feeds, rests in the sun and interacts with other members of the group, always staying close to its burrow.
Despite its heavy build, it is surprisingly agile, capable of running, jumping and moving quickly among rocks. When alarmed, it emits a sharp, high-pitched whistle.
Marmots dig complex burrow systems using their front legs and claws. Summer burrows are shallow and have multiple exits, while winter burrows are deeper and more carefully constructed, with long tunnels leading to a main chamber lined with grass.
The hibernation of the marmot
The marmot is highly adapted to life in harsh alpine environments. As autumn approaches, usually between late September and October, it retreats into its burrow to face the long winter.
Groups of 3 up to 10–15 individuals may share the same burrow. Hibernation generally lasts from October to April, depending on weather conditions.
During this period, the marmot undergoes remarkable physiological changes: its body temperature drops significantly, heart rate slows dramatically and breathing becomes barely noticeable.
It survives by using fat reserves accumulated during summer and remains asleep for long periods, waking only occasionally. Social behaviour plays a crucial role: the more individuals share a burrow, the greater the chances of survival, especially for young marmots, which rely on the warmth of adults.
In early spring, when snow is still present, marmots emerge from their burrows and gradually return to activity.
Diet
Marmots are mainly herbivorous. They feed on grasses, herbs, shoots, roots, flowers, fruits and bulbs.
They show a preference for aromatic plants and only occasionally eat insects.
They do not drink water directly, as they obtain the moisture they need from the plants they consume.
Territory and defence
Marmots are territorial animals. They mark their territory using scent secretions produced by glands located on their paws, muzzle and anal region. When necessary, they may engage in chases and fights to drive away intruders.
In the presence of a predator, however, the only strategy is escape. One individual acts as a sentinel: when danger is detected, it stands upright, emits a loud whistle and within seconds the entire group retreats into the burrow.
The marmot’s call
The whistle is the marmot’s main form of communication and is used to warn the colony of potential danger.
When a sentinel detects a threat, it stands upright and emits a sharp sound that signals the others to take shelter.
The type of whistle varies depending on the threat. A terrestrial predator is considered less dangerous, while an aerial predator such as the golden eagle represents an immediate and serious danger. The marmot’s “whistle” is not produced by the lips, but is actually a vocal sound generated in the larynx with the mouth open.
The marmot’s call
Reproduction
The mating season generally takes place between April and June. After a gestation period of just over one month, the female gives birth to 2 to 5 young, born blind and hairless.
The young open their eyes after about three weeks, are nursed for around six weeks and become independent at about two months. Sexual maturity is reached at around three years of age.
Scientific classification of the marmot
Scientific Classification
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Superorder: Euarchontoglires
Order: Rodentia
Suborder: Sciuromorpha
Family: Sciuridae
Genus: Marmota
Species: Marmota marmota