Hikers, enjoying the quiet of the high elevations of many mountains in the western United States, Canada and Alaska, are sometimes startled to hear a sharp whistle nearby. They will usually stop, thinking someone is trying to get their attention. But if they look closely they are pretty sure to discover that the whistler is a mountain marmot. They will probably find it perched on top of the rock slabs, carefully looking them over.
The marmot is about the same size and appearance as a beaver. It is the largest member of the squirrel family. Short-legged and with its flat furry tail stretched out behind, it looks much at ease with its small ears perked up and its dark eyes closely watching the hiker. But if the hiker should start to climb toward this reddish-furred sentinel, a sharper whistle would warn all other marmots to run into their burrows, which it also would do. Soon it would cautiously poke its head out, and if the danger has disappeared, give an appropriate whistle to let its companions know the coast is clear. If, however, the threat is still there, a final shrill whistle will tell the colony to stay in their burrows for a long time. It is not hard to see why they are called whistlers, is it?
Aside from the warning whistles, large groups communicate with one another in whistle-language (actually just calls that sound like whistles), and it is an unforgettable experience to hear this melody on a mountain slope.
Expert excavators, each family digs its own burrow which is from 10 to 25 feet long. It has an entrance under the shelter of a rock which is big enough to insure that no bear or coyote can shove it aside. At the end of each burrow, a den is lined with moss and grass, and space is reserved to store food for use when retiring in the fall before hibernating. Frequently, two burrows lead to one den which provides a safety factor for quick entry and an extra means of escape if necessary. Retiring for the winter with fattened stomachs dragging on the ground, they are well prepared for hibernation until spring—all these things telling of the Creator's care over them.
Usually two to six pups are born in the spring and a few weeks later they begin to wander outside. They stay with their parents through the summer and following winter. The youngsters playfully roll and tumble together as parents watch, and all have a happy relationship, nuzzling each other and stroking with their paws.
We read in the Bible, "O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!" Psa. 36:6,76Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. 7How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. (Psalm 36:6‑7). The marmots have no way of knowing of the Creator's watchful care. But we who have been more favored than any other creature are told in God's holy Word, the Bible, of His physical care. We also read of His love that has provided everlasting life for all who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Savior. How thankful we should be for such loving care. Have you thanked Him?