USA/WA: Mount Rainier NP – Hoary Marmots

Hoary marmots live in alpine areas of the snowy volcano and can often be seen on hike. Technically, it’s a species of a ground squirrel, but it’s sized like a small to medium pig. In fact, they are sometimes called “whistle pigs” because they make a screaming and whistling size to alert and communicate with each other. They are not particularly afraid of people and can be easily observed (or you can just give up hiking and just watch marmots all day, they are super adorable).