The hoary marmot, a charismatic rodent native to the subalpine meadows of Washington’s North Cascades National Park, is experiencing a significant population decline. Research from Washington State University indicates a 74% decrease in their numbers between 2007 and 2016. This decline is largely attributed to climate change, which has led to reduced snowfall, diminishing the insulating layer that protects marmot burrows during winter. Additionally, warmer temperatures have expanded the range of predators such as coyotes and Pacific martens into higher elevations, increasing predation pressures on marmots. While some southern populations remain stable, the overall trend raises concerns about the species’ future and the broader ecological impacts of a warming climate.​