Researchers studying marmots in the Colorado mountains found that two-thirds of one population died during hibernation due to insufficient snow cover last winter. The surviving marmots are now preparing for fall and hibernation season by fattening up. This preparation coincides with the first Fat Marmot Week, an online contest similar to Fat Bear Week.

The event aims to bring attention to the marmots and also raise donations for ongoing research, which is facing federal funding cuts. Further details about Fat Marmot Week and the research project are available, including the efforts of the project leader to secure funding and continue the long-running study of these alpine rodents.