Hibernation Yellow-bellied marmots spend about 80% of their lives in their burrows, 60% of which is spent hibernation. They often spend mid-day and night in a burrow as well. These burrows are usually constructed on a slope, such as a hill, mountain, or cliff. The hibernating burrows can be up to deep; however, the burrows constructed for daily use are usually only deep. Their hibernation period varies on elevation, but it is typically from September to May. Although they hibernate, they do not store food for the winter. Occasionally, they climb trees and other flora, though they are usually
terrestrial. Each male marmot digs a
burrow soon after it wakes from hibernation, and starts looking for females to reproduce. By summer, it may have up to four female mates. Litters usually average three to five offspring per female. Only about half of those pups survive and become yearlings. Female offspring tend to stay in the area around their home, while male offspring typically leave when they are yearlings and will defend one or more females. Playing is most common between young, but also frequent between an adult and their young. Marmots communicate with each other through a high pitched whistle. They are
omnivores, but generally eat a wide variety of plants, as they are generalist
herbivores. They mostly feed on grass, grains, leaves, flowers,
legumes, bird eggs, and insects. Their food choice depends upon the fatty acid and protein concentrations, which are well present in
cinquefoil,
cow-parsnip, and leaves of
dandelion, which are also present in their diet. In late summer, however, grasses,
forbs, and seeds make up most of their diet. They also like to feed on
alfalfa and
clover. They drink less water, as their plant diet mostly serves their water requirements. == Status and conservation ==