Olympic Marmots Face Endangered Species Listing

Washington wildlife agency investigates potential protections for iconic alpine rodents.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is conducting research to determine if Olympic marmots, a species of large ground squirrel found in the Olympic Mountains, should be classified as an endangered species due to declining population numbers.

Why it matters

Olympic marmots are a beloved and iconic species in the Pacific Northwest, serving as an important part of the alpine ecosystem. Their potential endangered status could lead to new conservation efforts and restrictions to protect the marmots' fragile habitat.

The details

Researchers are studying the population size, breeding patterns, and habitat needs of Olympic marmots to assess their conservation status. Factors like climate change, human development, and predation may be contributing to the marmots' declining numbers in recent years.

  • The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife began its research on Olympic marmots in early 2026.

The players

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Washington's wildlife and natural resources.

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What’s next

The research findings will be used to determine if Olympic marmots should be listed as an endangered species, which would trigger new protections and conservation efforts to preserve the population.

The takeaway

The potential endangered status of the iconic Olympic marmot highlights the ongoing challenges facing wildlife in the Pacific Northwest due to climate change, human activity, and other threats to fragile alpine ecosystems.