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Storm Point & Indian Pond, Lake District

 
The area of Yellowstone known as Indian Pond / Storm Point may not be a top spot for wildlife nor the most scenic corner of the park yet it is a great place for greenhorn hikers to venture beyond the boardwalk. Indian Pond, a deep blue pool, erupted into existence thousands of years ago. The lush meadows, once a favorite Native American camp site, are today a bison feeding place. Storm Point Trail (2.3 miles roundtrip) is an easy ramble. Wind-swept Storm Point, a rocky outcrop midway, affords great views of Yellowstone Lake and is home to a large colony of yellow-bellied marmots.
Indian Pond, Yellowstone National Park

Indian Pond, Yellowstone National Park

Alfredo De Simone

Hiker on Storm Point Trail

Hiker on Storm Point Trail

Alfredo De Simone

 
Yellow-bellied Marmot
Yellow-bellied Marmot

Yellow-bellied Marmot

Christine Duchesne courtesy National Park Service

 

There are lots of fun facts about the yellow-bellied marmot. Did you know that:

  • The yellow-bellied marmot, also called the woodchuck and nick-named the whistling pig, is a ground squirrel and member of the marmot family.
  • Yellow-bellied marmots are found in southwestern Canada and western United States. They live in rocky, green habitats such as alpine meadows, steppes and pastures. The yellow-bellied marmot digs its burrow beneath rocks and boulders.
  • The yellow-bellied marmot has a yellow belly and yellow speckles on both sides of its neck. Its white-tipped fur is tan or brown and it has a patch of white between its eyes.
  • Yellow-bellied marmots are herbivores - they eat seeds, flowers, leaves, and stems - but they will also eat insects when plant-life is scarce.
  • The yellow-bellied marmot is diurnal meaning it is active during the day and rests at night.
  • Yellow-bellied marmots are gregarious animals that live in colonies.
  • The yellow-bellied marmot is prey for a variety of birds and animals including wolves, foxes, coyotes, weasels, martins, eagles, badgers and grizzly bears.
  • Like all other marmots, yellow-bellied marmots make a whistling sound when a predator is sighted.
  • The yellow-bellied marmot hibernates from September to May and spends about 80% of its life underground.
 
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TRAVEL TRIVIA
Which of the following animals are you likely to spot on an African safari:
Kangaroo
Lion
Moose
Tiger