Photo: Alpine Marmot

An Alpine Marmot scopes out his terrain in the snow covered Dolomite mountain range in Italy, Europe.

The Alpine marmot is a species of the squirrel family and is considered to be the largest when fully grown reaching heights of more than 50 centimeters and weighing up to 6 kilograms.

The Alpine marmot tends to live in mountainous areas in the southern and central parts of southern Europe. The marmot digs a tunnel in the ground to use as his dwelling and lives in it during the winter months while hibernating. During the spring, summer and fall the Alpine marmot lives in a closely compacted community not travelling far from its burrow.

The Alpine marmot generally eats greens including grass, berries, mosses, roots, flowers and once in a while will indulge in an insect. Alpine marmots are always on the lookout for possible danger and they use loud whistles to warn each.

Marmots in the Dolomite Range near Falzarego Pass, Italy, South Tirol, Europe.

This picture is part of the photo album "Animal Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.