In the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, researchers are holding a unique online competition to raise money for an important climate study. Yellow-bellied marmots, the largest squirrels native to Colorado, are currently eating a lot to prepare for winter. These animals hibernate for about eight months, and their survival depends on building up enough fat. "The fatter they get, the more likely they are to survive the winter," explained Katie Adler, a student at UCLA.
To celebrate this important time for the marmots, a "Fat Marmot Week" event is happening from August 24 to August 29, 2026. People can vote online to choose the fattest marmot. Eight marmots, each with unique markings, are competing. This event is inspired by Alaska's "Fat Bear Week."
This competition is also about a long-term scientific study. The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Marmot Project has been studying these animals since 1962, learning how climate change affects mountain ecosystems. However, recent years have seen less snow, making it harder for marmots to find food and survive. Last winter, about 100 marmots in the study died.
Funding for the project is also a problem, as government support has decreased. To find money, researchers have even started an "OnlyFans" page called "OnlyMarms" with photos and videos of the marmots. "Fat Marmot Week" is another effort to get public support and funding for this vital research.