The pups of the Yellow-bellied Marmot are said to emerge from their natal dens in late June or early July. However, ours have been out and about for the better part of a week. Their antics are fun to watch.
Another oddity is that pups are said to nurse in the den, but switch to foraging on their own when they are out of the den. Again, it seems that these marmot pups have not read the manual. This is the first time I have seen this.
Pups often meet during their foraging. When they do, they greet each other.
Then, sometimes the pups will frolic.
However, the standard greeting seemed to be a nose rub. Each was probably sniffing so as to identify the other.
I love these photos! Thank you.
Beautiful photos of our Kootenay Lake residents. And you are so great at adding context and colour to the photos. Thank you for the extra enjoyment.