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| Marmots and Mother's Day by Stormy on May 11, 2025 A Whistle, a Hug and a Bouquet of Dandelions When it comes to celebrating Mother's Day, humans go all out — brunches, spa gift cards, heartfelt cards and poorly wrapped bath bombs from the kids. But deep in the alpine meadows, a lesser-known, but equally enthusiastic celebration is unfolding. That's right, folks, it's Mother's Day, Marmot Edition. Now, marmots may not have opposable thumbs or Etsy accounts, but don't let that fool you. These chunky, chirpy rodents take their maternal appreciation very seriously. Let's take a peek into how marmots show their love. Rise and Shine, Sort Of Marmot pups don't exactly leap out of bed on Mother's Day. They emerge groggily from their burrows around noon (because hibernation hangovers are real), rub the sleep out of their beady little eyes, and realize, “Oh no, it's today!” Cue the frantic gathering of meadow treasures: wildflowers (mostly dandelions and thistles), shiny pebbles and the occasional beetle snack (hey, it's the thought that counts). Breakfast in Dirt While humans bring breakfast in bed, marmot pups present their moms with the finest selection of clover and alpine grasses, arranged delicately on a flat rock. A nice touch if you don't mind a little dirt with your garnish. The culinary delights are less “perfectly poached eggs” and more “slightly gritty dandelion greens I found near the badger's den”. It's the thought that counts, right? Mother Marmot smiles (well, in her mind) and pretends she hasn't eaten the exact same thing for ninety-two consecutive days. The Gift of Whistle Marmots aren't big on long speeches, but they do have quite the vocal range. To honor Mom, the pups engage in a full-on whistle concert. The high-pitched trills echo through the hills in what sounds like a blend of kazoo solos and smoke detector testing. It's heartfelt. It's chaotic. It's loud. Mother Marmot tolerates this with the same grace your mom had when you gave her a macaroni necklace and a song about how she smells like spaghetti. Family Photos (Sort Of) There's no smartphone in the burrow, but that doesn't stop the marmots. They gather awkwardly in front of a scenic boulder while the elder marmot clicks a mental snapshot, since no one can quite figure out the trail camera they stole from the researchers last spring. The pups wrestle. Dad photobombs. Someone sneezes and ruins it. Classic. The Nap That Binds After all the hoopla, the best gift of all is time together. The marmot family piles into the sun-warmed grass for a good cuddle nap, full bellies and warm fuzzies included. Because really, that's what Mother's Day is all about. Not the gifts, not the noise, but being together, grateful for the burrow and the heart that built it. So to all the moms out there — human, marmot or otherwise — here's to you. May your day be filled with whistles, wildflowers and a little peace and quiet, eventually. |
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