In an exclusive interview with Fat Marmot Week organizer Katie Adler, it was revealed that a chubby marmot with a penchant for rocks has claimed the title of the most beloved yellow-bellied marmot in Gothic, Colo.
During the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory’s first-ever Fat Marmot Week this summer, contestants participated in a competition that involved a public vote and a weigh-in to determine the marmot that gained the most weight before hibernation season. Dawn emerged as the winner in both categories.
Dawn, a marmot known for siring multiple marmot offspring and consuming salt and minerals from rocks, impressively doubled his body weight from 2.5 to 5.9 kilograms, or approximately 5.5 to 13 pounds, over the summer. Organizer Katie Adler expressed her support for Dawn, describing him as a unique marmot with a fondness for rocks.
Despite his victory, Dawn now carries the responsibility of being an ambassador for the Marmot Project, a vital long-term research initiative facing uncertainty due to reductions in science and education funding in the U.S.
The Marmot Project drew inspiration from the successful Fat Bear Week contest at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve. Similar to bears, marmots hibernate, and Gothic’s yellow-bellied marmot population will soon enter an eight-week winter slumber to survive the cold months by storing up on weight.
Adler, a UCLA graduate student and member of the Marmot Project team at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, emphasized the importance of securing funding for their research. Established in 1962, the Marmot Project stands as the world’s second-longest continuous study of individually marked mammals, following Jane Goodall’s renowned chimpanzee research in Tanzania.
Despite its rich history and valuable contributions to understanding wildlife adaptation and climate changes, the Marmot Project faces an uncertain future due to funding cuts in research organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Trump administration.
To raise awareness and collect donations for their ongoing research, the Marmot Project initiated creative campaigns, including the launch of OnlyMarms on the platform OnlyFans, where supporters can watch marmots via camera traps. These efforts have raised over $120,000 in donations, yet the project seeks sustainable funding solutions to ensure its longevity.
The Marmot Project has initiated a petition urging Congress to reverse research funding cuts, emphasizing the critical role of long-term research in scientific progress. Despite challenges, the project remains committed to its mission and plans to host the next Fat Marmot Week in 2027.
Adler hopes that campaigns like Fat Marmot Week will foster public appreciation for marmots and their resilience in adapting to changing environments and harsh conditions, showcasing the importance of continued research and conservation efforts.
