Rock Chucks

Important Considerations:

• The real name for a Rock Chuck is a “Yellow-bellied Marmot,” with the specific scientific name being “Marmota Flaviventris”
• Rock Chucks are large ground squirrels that can be commonly found living in mountains in areas as low in elevation as 5,000 feet and up to 14,000 feet
• Rock Chucks start reproducing around 2 years old, and can live to be 15 years old
• Litters usually have 3-5 offspring per female, and normally only half of the litter survives to become yearlings
• Rock Chucks are mostly plant eaters and will feed on things like grass, grains, flowers, and legumes; but will occasionally feed on bird eggs or insects
• Rock Chucks habituate in burrows, with burrows for daily use being around 3 feet deep, but hibernation burrows being up to 23 feet deep

Where to Find Them on Your Property?

You will find Rock Chucks living inside of burrows normally located under rocks, and in areas that are open and usually free of vegetation. They can be found in areas such as valleys, meadows, and foothills, and normally build their burrows on a slope. Rock Chucks reside in colonies of about 10-20 and will spend 80% of their lives in burrows and 60% of that is spent in hibernation.