Hoary Marmot (Marmota caligata) is in the Squirrels family (Sciuridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,973 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in July.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Hoary Marmot: observations by month (U.S.)
About Hoary Marmot
The hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) is a species of marmot that inhabits the mountains of northwest North America. Hoary marmots live near the tree line on slopes with grasses and forbs to eat and rocky areas for cover.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Hoary Marmot by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 3,383 | August | Jul–Sep |
| Montana | 998 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Alaska | 586 | July | Jun–Aug |
| Idaho | 6 | July | May–Aug |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Squirrels)
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
California Ground Squirrel
Groundhog
American Red Squirrel
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Western Gray Squirrel
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Hoary Marmot?
Nationally, July has the most observations, with the main season from June to September.
Where is Hoary Marmot most often seen?
The most observations come from Washington, Montana, Alaska.