PORT ANGELES — Olympic marmots, a species found only in the alpine meadows of the North Olympic Peninsula, are now under federal review for endangered species protection.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has launched a 12-month review to determine whether the animals should be listed as threatened or endangered, following a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity.
Found exclusively in high-altitude meadows across the Olympic Mountains — including popular areas like Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park — the marmots are a familiar sight to local hikers. Known for their curious nature and piercing whistles, these native rodents play a key role in the region’s ecosystem.
But experts estimate only 2,000 to 4,000 remain, and their numbers are declining. Rising tree lines, driven by climate change, are pushing into alpine meadows, fragmenting marmot habitat and leaving them with nowhere higher to go.
Non-native coyotes also threaten the population, and advocates are calling for the possible reintroduction of wolves on the peninsula to help restore balance.
A final decision from federal officials is expected after the agency’s full status review. If listed, the marmots would receive formal protections and a recovery plan to help ensure their survival in the North Olympic high country.