Harkening back to the 4th of July and a visit to Mount Evans, Colorado.

At the time this picture was taken, I was largely focused on mountain goats but this little guy / gal was not to be ignored. It appeared to have been taught some bad habits by visiting humans.

Normally yellow-bellied marmots aren’t ones to get very close but this one had no fear and came right up to within a few feet of me. It definitely seemed to be begging for a handout.

Given its close proximity, I of course had to take some pics – while also ensuring the furry thing didn’t crawl up my pant leg.

In fact, if you look in that eye you can see a reflection of your intrepid, fearless photographer. 😉 

Taken a couple of weeks ago in Grand Teton National Park. I was, primarily, looking for far bigger creatures to photograph when I spotted this little one standing tall on a rock. It of course quickly became cautious when it came time for pictures but allowed me a very nice portrait.

Somewhat of an “environmental” capture showing the type of terrain these cool dudes are normally spotted in.

While they can and do reside below timberline, they aren’t seen there very often due to the ground cover that helps them hide. Most often, they are seen at higher altitudes in the rarified air where trees don’t grow.

This particular fellow was quite curious and popped up above a rock. Behind him, you can see the flatirons that extend from the south side of Mount Bierstadt, a bit over a mile from where I was. 

As many pictures of marmots as I have taken over the years, I never really had much luck getting images of them sitting up. They do it pretty frequently but whenever I tried to get the shot, the little buggers would get down before I could squeeze off a shot.

This year, however, I have gotten quite a few of them upright, much like this one from a few weeks ago. This guy (or gal) was kind enough to give me a nice head turn even – you couldn’t have gotten a human to pose better. 😉

Well, I have to say this is something I haven’t seen before. 😀 

I happened across this rather amorous couple Saturday on Mount Evans in Colorado. Initially they were being just kind of rambunctious, chasing each other around. Soon, it became apparent that was just a bit of foreplay for some a more, umm, active type of “recreation.”

Assuming the mating was successful, it will be 30 days or so before the pups are born, then another month before the little ones emerge from the burrow.

It didn’t appear this little, high altitude resident was too thrilled to have a camera pointed at it. 😉

As I sat down and worked on end-of-year photo projects, I realized I just didn’t take many pics of these guys this year. This particular one was hanging out on the slopes of Mount Evans on July 4th.

With fall here and winter approaching, yellow bellied #marmots have settled in for a long-winters nap and will hibernate until May. Given the harsh conditions where they live, that is probably a good way to pass the time until warmer weather returns.

😉 Okay, it didn’t really have gum stuck but it sure seemed like it.

This little one was rather vigorous about something on the bottom of its paw and spent a good five minutes chewing and rubbing it. It was pretty fun to watch, particularly when it almost rolled right off the rock it was sitting on.

I captured this pics last week on Mount Evans in Colorado. There weren’t too many marmots around but the few I did find were quite entertaining.

Okay, this wasn’t taken on a Monday but I suspect many of us had similar looks lacking enthusiasm about the start of the workweek. 😉 

Thoughts of the high country and the creatures that will soon be accessible as the snow recedes continue to preoccupy me. These highly entertaining creatures are found across much of the mountain areas of Colorado and easily viewed at places like Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park where this image was taken.

I am anxiously awaiting the day when roads are clear and I can get back up there. The traditional opening of Trail Ridge is Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting. I may just be up there then!