Hibernation

Marmot on peak in Desolation Wildness, Sierra Nevada. Marmots are generally large ground squirrels. Those most often referred to as marmots tend to live in mountainous areas. Marmots typically live in burrows, and hibernate there through the winter. Most marmots are highly social, and use loud whistles to communicate with one another, especially when alarmed.

A long-term, deep sleep during which the animal's heartbeat and respiration rates slow considerably down. Before going into hibernation, animals will store fat in their bodies to live off of until they awaken.