First ever Fat Marmot Week to kick off in effort to raise money for research
Researchers are launching the first 'Fat Marmot Week' in Colorado to raise funds for wildlife research following a difficult winter for the species. The event is modeled after the popular 'Fat Bear Week' and aims to engage the public in conservation efforts.
Why it matters
This initiative provides a creative funding mechanism for scientific research amidst federal budget cuts while promoting environmental awareness.
A marmot sits outside of her den on 6 August 2026, in Gothic, Colorado. A marmot sits outside of her den on 6 August 2026, in Gothic, Colorado. Wildlife First ever Fat Marmot Week to kick off in effort to raise money for research Researchers hope contest – similar to Fat Bear Week – starting Monday will be latest wildlife watching craze
Prefer the Guardian on Google Monday sees the start of what researchers hope will be the latest wildlife watching craze – Fat Marmot Week.
Last winter was tough for marmots living high in the Colorado mountains, where researchers say two-thirds of one population died while hibernating because of insufficient snow cover.
Those that survived are doing well, fattening up in time not just for fall and hibernation season but the very first Fat Marmot Week.
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