Tails of the Marmot

Tails of the Marmot

Marmots, cute and fuzzy they are. Here at Rainier these cute and adorable animals are now out in abundance at least until the end of summer. You might even get lucky and find them posing for you on their favorite rock, standing tall and proud for the photographer. These fuzzy and curious members of the family Rodentia are one of the favorite local residents. They are both comical and bold and seem to not be too afraid of that strange creature driving by in their cars staring at them. They must think that we are pretty odd; stopping to take photos of them while they are munching on their favorite flowers or roots. Marmots are the second largest members of the Rodent family, only Beavers are larger. They are furry with big bushy tails and remind me of miniature Bears. They are so cute and precious, A few nights ago, I was taking a night time stroll on the valley road, if it wasn't paved it would be considered a hike. It loops around to reconnect with the main road, and the scenery along the way is breathtaking. With the wildflowers blooming everywhere it is a gorgeous site. Snow melting away, with green fields of Yellow Glacier Lilies popping out, and the Bright pink of Cliff Penstemon gracing the rocky hillsides. Avalanche lilies and Paintbrush are striking shades of orange, magenta and glistening white, and the sapphire blue skies with still snowcapped peaks make it a phographers dream. Yet, the most adorable character of all, The Horary Marmot makes a stroll along the Loop road a blessing for all. Families of Foxes are beginning to romp about, and my friend the Raven is continuing taking to flight over the mountaintops.

Other curious creatures are the notorius Campground Robber, the Gray Jay who seems to always be close by in hopes of someone's dropped potato chip to appear. Stellar Jays cackling away also in hopes of that stray piece of yummy delight. Please do not feed the Wildlife signs are posted throughout, yet some visitors just do not get it. The results of habituating wildlife are costly for both parties. So at last summer seems to be making an appearance in the high elevations of Alpine Wonder with life out and about everywhere you look.