Fat marmot week in Centennial, Colorado |
Discover the fascinating yellow-bellied marmot and learn more about marmot hibernation |
Centennial, Colorado, is taking a fresh spin on wildlife appreciation with the arrival of Fat Marmot Week.
Colorado’s inaugural Fat Marmot Week gives locals the chance to vote for their favorite furry contenders in a competition of outsized proportions. Hosted by the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, the event aims to raise awareness about the yellow-bellied marmot, which gains girth as it grazes in alpine meadows during the summer months.
This charming local event puts the spotlight on the yellow-bellied marmot, giving residents a reason to celebrate one of the region’s quirkiest mammals.
Forget Fat Bear Week—now it’s the marmots’ turn to shine.
The festivities invite the community to vote for the fattest, fluffiest marmot in a head-to-head competition as these cheerful rodents bulk up for the colder months.
The inspiration came from the growing interest in marmots each summer, especially as these animals are seen chomping their way across alpine meadows in preparation for their dramatic winter transformation.
Locals and scientists alike have noticed how the yellow-bellied marmot changes from a modest five or six pounds in spring to more than twice that size by the end of summer.
It’s a vital process, as marmot hibernation is no joke—these creatures are “true hibernators,” entering a near-frozen slumber where their body temperature plunges just above freezing.
This deep sleep lets them conserve energy, but it also makes surviving harsh winters especially risky.
Recently, Centennial and nearby areas have seen populations take a hit after lower-than-average snowfall last winter left dens exposed to temperature swings, and many marmots emerged thinner or not at all.
The drop in numbers serves as a stark warning about changing mountain environments and their ripple effects on local wildlife.
But community events like Fat Marmot Week have a way of bringing folks together.
Every marmot in the contest is individually marked by researchers using non-toxic dyes, each sporting a creative name that adds to the fun.
Excitement builds as fuzzy “contestants” get introduced ahead of the bracket-style competition.
Votes will determine which chunky marmot claims this year’s title, but perhaps more important is the awareness and support being drummed up for ongoing marmot research.
As Centennial celebrates these adorable, robust rodents, the event becomes about more than just size—it’s a nod to the beauty and challenges of Colorado’s alpine wildlife. |
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Honestly, any excuse for the community to come together is a good one. Go, Festive Fuzzballs!
It’s fun but I hope it inspires actual conservation not just memes and selfies.
That’s a thoughtful point. A big goal of Fat Marmot Week is to raise awareness and support for local conservation efforts and marmot research, beyond the fun of the competition.
I hope the winning marmot gets a little crown or sash. Those names better be good!
Wish they'd talk more about how to help protect dens during bad snow years. Still, excited for the pics!
Great point! Protecting dens is crucial, especially after low snowfall years. Researchers are keeping a close eye on ways to help, and we’ll be sure to feature some expert tips in future coverage.
Fat Bear Week has nothing on our marmots! Centennial always finds a way to make wildlife fun. Can we get t-shirts?
Ashley V.A t-shirt would be awesome! Maybe with this year’s winning marmot on it, chunky cheeks and all.
Marmots certainly give bears a run for their money in the adorable contest department, stay tuned, as t-shirts might just be the next big idea for Fat Marmot Week!
We just moved to Centennial, never expected to hear so much about marmots in our first summer!
This is the most Colorado event ever and I’m here for it. Go marmots!
Can we vote online or do we have to go somewhere? Want to get my friends in on this.
I think this is great for awareness. We lost a lot of marmots near my cabin last winter, so shining a light on them matters.
We’re sorry to hear about the losses near your cabin, and appreciate your perspective, bringing attention to what these animals face is exactly why we spotlight events like this.
Never thought lounging around and eating all summer could win you a contest. Marmots really living the dream.
Marmots certainly know how to maximize their summer, fat is survival for them, so lounging and munching is all in a season’s work!
Love the science behind this. The weight gain process is fascinating.
Thank you! Marmots nearly doubling their weight each summer is indeed fascinating, and crucial for surviving their extreme hibernation.
Sorry but I’m team Fat Bear. Marmots are cute but nothing beats those chunky Alaska bears.
Thanks for sharing, we agree that Alaska's bears are legendary contenders! Fat Marmot Week is a nod to their viral success, but with a uniquely Colorado twist.
I saw one of these chunky marmots by South Suburban last August! They really are little meatballs before winter.
Glad they use non-toxic dyes. Those creative names make it even better! My kids are gonna love voting.
We’re glad you appreciate the non-toxic dyes and the creative names, engaging kids in the voting is a great way to spark early interest in local wildlife.
Had no idea how tough hibernation really was for them. Hope this helps raise money for research.
Seeing fewer marmots last year made me sad. Glad we’re talking about conservation not just competition.
Love the idea but not sure if it makes enough difference for their conservation. Hope folks remember how climate is hurting them.
Thank you for highlighting the conservation angle, while Fat Marmot Week is lighthearted, it aims to spark ongoing awareness about how climate shifts are impacting marmots.
This is adorable. I’ve spotted marmots hiking near Ken Caryl before but never realized how much they bulk up. Go chonky marmots!
It’s always a delight to encounter these chunky critters out on the trails, here’s hoping your favorite marmot wins the crown this year!
I had no idea marmots got that big by the end of summer! The names they give them are always hilarious. Looking forward to seeing the bracket.
It’s always a surprise how much weight these marmots put on before winter, the creative contestant names and the bracket reveal definitely add to the fun!
Fat Marmot merch when? I’d wear a chubby marmot hoodie all winter!
Olivia KimThat would be adorable! I’d definitely want a mug too. I hope someone local prints up some shirts or something for next year.
The non-toxic dye marking is interesting, but are the marmots stressed by the process? Just curious about animal welfare here.
Great question, researchers take care to minimize stress, using rapid, gentle techniques and non-toxic dyes that don't harm the marmots or disrupt their natural behavior.
Wish they’d do more events like this but for other animals in Colorado. Prairie dog derby, anyone?
Used to only hear about Fat Bear Week, now marmots get the spotlight! Fun way to connect students to nature.
Hoping Skinny Steve makes a comeback this year. Rooting for the under-marmot!
Fat Marmot Week just made my summer. Looking forward to seeing all those silly marmot names.
Low snowfall hurting marmots is concerning. Hope this event gets folks thinking about climate issues, not just cuteness.
Didn’t know marmots doubled their weight for hibernation, wow. Glad scientists are tracking them.
My kids always spot marmots on our hikes. They’ll love this contest. Thanks for making wildlife education so fun!
Never thought I’d see a marmot competition in Centennial. Love that we’re raising awareness AND having fun with it.
This is too cute! Marmots need their moment. Might have to go vote for my favorite fluffy one!