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2 clusters · 4 sources · 15 days · First seen · Last updated

Yellow-bellied marmot disruptions in California

Overview

Yellow-bellied marmots have caused disruptions in California, beginning with reports from Sequoia National Park. In the park, the rodents have been stealing gear from hikers and causing mechanical damage to vehicles by chewing on radiator hoses and electrical wiring. Experts believe the animals may be attracted to salt from sweat or various vehicle fluids.

This behavior has led to instances of the animals traveling far from their natural mountain habitats. Two marmots were recently discovered in the Bay Area, specifically in San Francisco’s Mission District and Antioch. Wildlife rescuers suggest the rodents may be hitching rides in vehicles to consume radiator fluid due to electrolyte deficiencies, which can cause them to lose consciousness and wake up in distant urban areas. The recovered animals are currently undergoing treatment at a wildlife center.

Entities

Antioch · National Park Service · Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue · San Francisco · Dan Blumstein

Timeline

  1. 2 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Marmots discovered in Bay Area after hitching rides from mountains

    Two mountain-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots were found in San Francisco and Antioch, likely having hitched rides on vehicles from the Sierra Nevada mountains.

  2. 16 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Sequoia National Park marmots causing trouble for hikers and drivers

    Yellow-bellied marmots in Sequoia National Park are stealing hiker gear and causing mechanical damage to vehicles by chewing on engine components and wires.

Sources

celebitchy.com · epochtimes.com · nypost.com · sfist.com