{"id":2177692,"date":"2024-09-28T12:00:13","date_gmt":"2024-09-28T11:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/?p=2177692"},"modified":"2024-09-21T09:27:05","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T08:27:05","slug":"marmot-hitch-hiker-rumbled-after-great-escape-from-yosemite-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/marmot-hitch-hiker-rumbled-after-great-escape-from-yosemite-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Marmot hitch-hiker rumbled after great escape from Yosemite national park"},"content":{"rendered":"

A marmot who hitched a ride out of Yosemite National Park in the engine of a car, has been rumbled and returned to his natural habitat with the help of local firefighters.<\/p>\n

Usually found at altitudes of more than 6,500ft, this yellow-bellied marmot was discovered in Pollock Pines, California – hiding some 135 miles from Yosemite.<\/p>\n

Stunned by the discovery, the car\u2019s owner, who had recently returned from a trip to the historic park, enlisted the help of firefighters from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District.<\/p>\n

After an injury-free removal, the marmot got another free ride, back to Yosemite this time with the help of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.<\/p>\n

Firefighters rescue marmot from a car<\/p>\n

\"Firefighters
Firefighters had to remove parts of the car to safely rescue the marmot (Image credit: El Dorado County Fire Protection District)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Native to Yosemite, yellow-bellied marmots live at high altitudes, roaming the cliffs and mountain tops in colonies of 10 to 20 animals. Fully grown marmots weigh between 5 and 11lb (2.25 to 5kg) and can live up to 15 years, surviving off a diet of grass, flowers, fruit, grasshoppers and bird eggs.<\/p>\n

If you encounter a marmot in the wild, remain still for a chance to see the rest of it’s colony. Marmots can also be hostile if they feel their territory is threatened, so don’t attempt to pet or touch them.<\/p>\n

This article<\/a> by Will Symons was first published by Advnture on 20 September 2024. Lead Image: (Image credit: El Dorado County Fire Protection District).
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What you can do<\/h2>\n

Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 \u2013 It only takes a minute.<\/p>\n

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