“Because there aren’t many GROUNDHOGS in Alaska, the state observes MARMOT DAY every February 2 instead.”

National Geographic Kids, 5,000 Awesome Facts

On April 18, 2009, Alaska is when the 26th Alaska State Legislature officially passed Senate Bill 58 stating that Marmot Day is considered their Groundhog Day, and is observed throughout the whole state.

The definition of a marmot is “a heavily built, gregarious, burrowing rodent of both Eurasia and North America, typically living in mountainous country.”

They are the largest of the squirrel family, and can reach up to 2 feet in length and up to 11 lbs enabling it to live in colder climates and elevation. Marmots are also called mountain mouse, whistle pig and rock chuck, along with ground squirrel. They have a yellow belly and reddish fur. However, there are several types of marmots, such as the Vancouver Island marmot, and the Alaska marmot. The Vancouver marmot is listed as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED but the Alaska marmot, also known as the Brooks Range marmot, which are found on the bottom of rocky ledges and crevices, don’t face any major deviants in their livelihood at this time. However, marmots are one of the rarest animals in North America. Their decline is a direct result of climate changes.

Marmots are more personable than regular groundhogs, but their numbers are less so it will be a tough decide on February 2nd if they plan to come out and say hi, or stay inside their little scree slopes. From what I gather it seems as if the marmot likes to promise a 6 more weeks of winter.

Fact 33 b

Charley is ready for spring any time of the year, obviously.