Menu
Scroll Cowee Meadows

Enter the Marmot

Unsung hero of Alaska’s wildlife

Sure, bears and whales steal the show, but do they have their own official holiday?

In April 2009, the Alaska Legislature declared February 2 “Marmot Day” in Alaska. Sometimes called “whistle pigs” for their high-pitched calls, marmots rate among Juneau’s most commonly seen (and heard) animals.

Marmots hibernate uninterruptedly from September through April/May. But when they’re active, they’re active (and loud). And they’re not shy around people. All hail the marmot—not just on Marmot Day, but every day!