The Alaska Marmot lives in the Brooks Range, in northern Alaska, squeezing between big, bulky rocks on slopes to dig its dens. Denning on rocky ledges or under boulders offers them some protection from grizzly bears, which would otherwise dig them out. Wolverines and wolves also prey on Alaska Marmots, and eagles prey on young marmots. If an eagle is circling overhead or a predator is nearby, the marmots give warning calls and scurry to safety underground. In their harsh environment, the soil is permanently frozen. The marmots live in small population clusters close to productive plant-foraging areas. The nutritional quality of Arctic plants is low and the animals must consume a great deal to meet their requirements—and to prepare for hibernation. These marmots disappear underground with the first snowstorms, in September, and hibernate until June.

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Mammal Species of the World