Why Are Marmots Called Whistle Pigs?

Marmots as well as their close relatives the groundhogs are commonly called whistle pigs because they make a loud, piercing, high-pitched whistling noise to warn other group members when danger is near. When a marmot (or groundhog) spots a predator like a hawk or coyote, it emits a sharp, piercing whistle to alert the rest of its colony to run back to their underground burrows.

They have stout, heavy, round bodies that look a bit like small pigs, though they are actually large rodents in the squirrel family (Sciuridae). Early farmers and settlers gave them the “pig” part of the nickname because of their heavy, plump, low-to-the-ground bodies and the grunting, squealing, or stout nature they seemed to share with farm pigs.

Why do marmots stand still?

Marmots stand still because they are acting as a sentinel or look-out for their colony. While others forage, a designated guard stays completely frozen and upright to scan the area for predators like eagles, coyotes, or foxes, ready to emit a sharp warning whistle at any sign of danger.

Amazing Marmot Facts

There are about 15 different species of marmots. The Alpine marmot is one of the largest squirrel species. They can live at elevations above 4,000 meters. A unique trait of the marmot is its extreme hibernation cycle, lasting up to eight or nine months a year, during which its body temperature drops to near freezing and its heart rate slows to just a few beats per minute. Marmots gain a lot of body fat before winter. This stored fat helps them survive during their long hibernation when they do not eat at all!

Marmot habitat usually includes grassy slopes, rocky hills, and alpine meadows. They play an important role in mountain ecosystems. In some countries, people celebrate “Groundhog Day,” which is related to marmots and their relatives predicting the arrival of spring!

Content for this question contributed by Sam Kruger, resident of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California, USA