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Yellow-Bellied Marmot Mom(s) with her Pups. I found three different Marmot Dens in June. All of the dens were above 13,000' in elevation. Each den had 3 pups. I visited these dens multiple times in June and watched them get bigger and bigger every day. On several occasions the pups would walk up within 2-3 feet of me and check me out. I'm pretty sure I was the first human they had ever seen and they were just curious. Lot of fun to watch them play and tease each other.
What a terrific collection of images! Great interactions and ideal backgrounds. You had to make multiple trips above 13000 feet to get them, so that is why we rarely see photos like these. I admire the way you produce wonderful images of critters that inhabit the Colorado mountains. Thanks for posting them.
These are great, Greg -- well done. I love the interaction in these.
Like all rodents, they can cause a lot of headaches with the 'need to gnaw' -- but they're cute as heck!
Many years back my wife and I hiked to the top of Blue Lakes Pass, near Ouray -- I believe the elevation was 13,325 ft.. We encountered a little colony of Marmots at the crest and this big fat one kept coming right up to me and would sit up begging for food. I suspect he had a lot of training, which also would explain his very rotund body.
This will be the second link I sent to my Daughter out there, to some of your postings. The first link was of the Pikas. Spending time with them and gaining their trust, is perhaps the greatest feeling we can experience. I'm a strong believer in Jane Goodall's beliefs/teachings... Thanks Greg
Robert
dclark wrote:
What a terrific collection of images! Great interactions and ideal backgrounds. You had to make multiple trips above 13000 feet to get them, so that is why we rarely see photos like these. I admire the way you produce wonderful images of critters that inhabit the Colorado mountains. Thanks for posting them.
Dave
Thank You Dave, I really appreciate your comments. I'm very lucky to live in such a great wildlife rich area.
Great job Greg !
