Colorado Launches Fat Marmot Week, Voting Opens for Chunkiest Alpine Rodent
Colorado is celebrating its inaugural Fat Marmot Week, modeled after Alaska's Fat Bear Week, to honor yellow-bellied marmots as they get ready for hibernation. The voting period is set from August 24 to 28, with the announcement of the heaviest marmot on August 29 and the popular vote winner revealed on August 30. This event, organized by the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), seeks to generate awareness and financial support following federal funding reductions. The RMBL Marmot Project has been researching these social creatures, which can weigh as much as 11 pounds, since 1962. Climate change poses a significant threat, with nearly two-thirds of one population perishing last winter. To raise funds, researchers have utilized an OnlyFans account and cryptocurrency, while Denver Beer Company is contributing proceeds from a special IPA.
Key facts
- Colorado's first Fat Marmot Week runs from August 24 to August 30, 2026.
- Voting occurs on August 24, 26, and 28; winner announced August 30.
- Eight marmots compete in a tournament-style bracket.
- Event organized by Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) in Crested Butte, Colorado.
- RMBL Marmot Project has studied yellow-bellied marmots since 1962.
- Yellow-bellied marmots can weigh up to 11 pounds and measure over two feet long.
- Nearly two-thirds of one Colorado marmot population died last winter due to lack of snow.
- Researchers raised funds via OnlyFans account OnlyMarms ($6,700) and cryptocurrency $OnlyMarms ($100,000).
- Denver Beer Company created OnlyMarms Extra Thicc Double IPA to support the project.
Entities
Institutions
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Denver Beer Company
- OnlyFans
- Smithsonian Magazine
- Associated Press
- Rocky Mountain PBS
- Denver Post
- Colorado Sun
Locations
- Colorado
- Alaska
- Katmai National Park and Preserve
- Crested Butte
- United States
- Intermountain West