How to identify it
Coat mostly black and white with hoary fur tips. [1][2]
White patch between the eyes and across the muzzle; white nose tip. [1][2]
Black feet (species name caligata, 'booted'); black cap larger than in other marmots. [1][2]
Length 45-57 cm, tail 7-25 cm, 8-10 kg. [1][2]
Compared with the yellow-bellied marmot: Lacks black feet and white nose patch; frosted tawny coat. [1][2]
Species it is confused with
Check these before deciding what you are looking at. If you are not certain what it is, do not shoot.
- Yellow-bellied marmot · Marmota flaviventris
Where it lives
Rocky talus slopes and alpine or subalpine meadows; at sea level in Alaska, higher elevations to the south. [1][2]
Where it is listed for legal take
These authorities list this species for legal take in their own regulations.
Where legal take is listed
- Northwest Territories — hunting · NWT Summary of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, July 1 2022 - June 30 2023
- Alaska — trapping · 2026-2027 Alaska Trapping Regulations No. 67
- Montana — hunting · Recreational Shooting of Nongame Species (FWP web page)
Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.
Where it is found
Alaska to Yukon and Northwest Territories, south to northeastern Washington, central Idaho and western Montana.
Sources
Every claim above is attributed to one of these published sources.
NatureServe · reviewed 2026-09-30
NatureServe
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology · reviewed 2026-09-30
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology