Why Do Marmots Whistle?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do marmots whistle?

The Big Idea

Marmots whistle to warn their friends when danger is near! Hoary marmots are big, furry rodents that live in the mountains of western Canada. A loud, sharp whistle can carry far across a rocky slope, so the whole group hears it fast.

Spot Danger

Step one: spot the danger. A marmot often sits up on a rock and keeps watch. If it spots something, like a hungry hunter, it gives a loud whistle.

Warn the Colony

Step two: warn the colony. The whistle tells the whole group to run for their burrows. A marmot colony is like a neighborhood, and neighbors look out for each other.

Long Winter Sleep

Step three: the long sleep. Marmots eat all summer to build up body fat, and then sleep for about seven or eight months. They huddle together underground to stay warm.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A hoary marmot is big, furry, and a little silvery. It has sharp eyes to scan the slope. When it sees danger, it whistles loudly. Then everyone hurries into the safe burrow, and the slope goes quiet.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The town of Whistler, British Columbia, is named after marmots. Hoary marmots live in western Canada. They sleep for about seven or eight months every winter. Marmots huddle together underground during their sleep.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Practice whistling a warning tune, or a short sharp squeak. Stand at one end of a yard, and have a friend stand far away. How far does your whistle carry? Try again and compare.

Outro

Marmots whistle to keep their whole colony safe. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!