Marmots are supposed to be one of the great charms of the high country: fat, furry, whistle-happy rodents sunning themselves on rocks and disappearing into talus when you get too close. But in some national parks, marmots are becoming a little too comfortable around people—and that can create a surprisingly expensive problem.
As marmots become habituated to human presence, they may spend more time around campgrounds, trailheads and parking areas instead of retreating when people approach. Over time, they can learn that humans—and the things humans bring with them—provide easy opportunities for food, salt and other interesting materials.
The results aren’t always cute.
Marmots have been known to crawl underneath vehicles and chew on wiring, hoses and other components, potentially leaving visitors with a very expensive repair bill and a long walk out. They can also chew through tents, backpacks and other camping equipment. Anything that carries the salty residue of human sweat can be particularly attractive, including clothing, shoes and backpack straps.
While it might be entertaining to watch a marmot boldly wander through a campground, these encounters can have negative consequences for wildlife. Animals that become accustomed to people may lose their natural fear of humans and become increasingly dependent on human environments. Eventually, wildlife managers may have to intervene when animals become aggressive or cause significant damage.
This is why responsible wildlife viewing matters. Our behavior can teach wild animals that people are a source of food or other rewards. Don’t feed wildlife, don’t leave food or trash accessible, and secure your camping gear and vehicle when you’re in marmot country.
If you want to become a better steward of the places you explore, consider taking a Leave No Trace program with American Alpine Institute. You’ll learn practical skills for minimizing your impact, including how to travel responsibly around wildlife, manage food and waste, and camp in ways that allow wild animals to remain wild.
The goal isn’t to eliminate encounters with wildlife. It’s to make sure that when you see a marmot, it whistles at you from a safe distance—and leaves your tent, backpack and car alone.