The gregarious marmot and its quest to be the state endemic mammal

OLYMPIA — Question: What’s the only mammal native to the state of Washington? Answer: The Olympic marmot. After making this observation in class, the fourth grade students of Wedgwood Elementary School in Seattle contacted Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle, to propose a bill declaring the Olympic marmot as the state endemic mammal of Washington.

“I commend these 4th graders for taking the time to learn about this state mammal and learn about the process of proposing a bill,” said Jacobsen. “A great field trip would be a day to Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park where the marmot is often seen.”

The Olympic marmot is found on the Olympic Peninsula. They are highly social creatures and form gregarious bonds between individuals in a family, identifying each other by touching noses and smelling cheeks. During the morning and afternoon on summer days they spend their time sunbathing on rocks and in the evening they return to their burrow.

“Being that the Olympic marmot is so gregarious, it would be a good symbol to represent Washington because our citizens are also friendly,” said Kelly Clark, Wedgewood Elementary School 4th grade teacher.

Sen. Jacobsen has introduced Senate Bill 6957 which designates the Olympic marmot as the state endemic mammal. If passed, the Olympic marmot would join the Willow Goldfinch, Steelhead Trout, Green Darner Dragonfly, Pacific Chorus Frog and Orca whale as official state animals.

Olympic marmot photo courtesy of Olympic National Park.

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