Olympic marmot
The Olympic marmot is a large rodent native to the Olympic National Park in Washington State. It typically weighs between 5 to 11 pounds and has a thick, furry coat that helps it survive in cold mountain environments. These marmots are social animals, often living in colonies and communicating through a series of whistles.
Olympic marmots primarily feed on grasses, herbs, and flowers during the summer months. They hibernate during the winter, retreating to burrows to escape the cold. As a species, they are considered a key part of their ecosystem, contributing to soil health and plant growth through their foraging activities.