In an exclusive interview with the organizer of Fat Marmot Week, Katie Adler, it was revealed that Dawn, a plump yellow-bellied marmot with a penchant for rocks, emerged as the victor in Gothic, Colo.
During the inaugural Fat Marmot Week at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Dawn clinched victory in both the popular vote and the weigh-in competition, showcasing a substantial weight gain before hibernation season. Dawn, known for fathering multiple marmot litters and indulging in licking salt off rocks, nearly doubled his weight from 2.5 to 5.9 kilograms, or 5.5 to 13 pounds, as per his online profile.
Organizer Katie Adler expressed her satisfaction with Dawn’s win, emphasizing his unique love for rocks. However, as the reigning champion, Dawn is now the unofficial ambassador for the Marmot Project, a vital long-term research initiative facing financial uncertainties amidst budget cuts in the U.S.
Inspired by the success of Fat Bear Week at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, Fat Marmot Week sheds light on the hibernation habits of marmots in Gothic. These yellow-bellied critters bulk up before winter to withstand the cold, with Adler noting their substantial size during this period.
Adler, a UCLA graduate student involved in the Marmot Project, highlighted the project’s significance as the world’s second longest-running study on individually marked mammals. Over 12 generations and 60 years, the project has monitored 5,000 marmots, offering insights into how wildlife adapts to environmental changes.
Despite its impactful research, the Marmot Project faces challenges due to funding cuts impacting scientific organizations. To secure support, the project launched innovative campaigns like OnlyMarms on OnlyFans to engage the public and garner donations, raising over $120,000. While this initiative aids in the short term, the project aims to restore research funding through a petition urging Congress to reverse cuts.
Looking ahead, the Marmot Project remains committed to its research, with plans for the next Fat Marmot Week in 2027. Adler hopes these campaigns will foster greater appreciation for marmots and their resilience in enduring harsh conditions.