Overview
- The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory has named early competitors for Fat Marmot Week and will open public voting from Aug. 24 through Aug. 28 with a winner announced on Aug. 29.
- So far the lab has introduced entrants including Dan's Hat, Dawn, Open Kite and Citroen on its Instagram accounts to build public interest ahead of the vote.
- Researchers say yellow-bellied marmots are true hibernators that can double or triple body mass to survive about five months of winter, which the contest highlights as natural bulking behavior.
- Field staff captured most study animals and used non-toxic fur dye, painted marks and small ear tags or earrings to identify individuals while emphasizing animal welfare.
- Organizers are using the contest, the @rocky_mountain_bio_lab and @rmblmarmotproject feeds, and a PG-rated OnlyFans account called OnlyMarms to raise funds and sustain the long-term marmot research program and graduate-student support.