07/20/2026
My Squirrells do that on the back deck when peeking in the window
Maintenance workers performing off-season checks on a mountain ski lift were shocked to find a plump marmot stranded on the metal grated walkway hundreds of feet in the air. The terrified animal had likely climbed the towering steel structure searching for food, only to become completely paralyzed by fear once it realized how high up it was. It pressed its heavy body as flat as possible against the cold metal grating, looking down at the distant pine trees with wide, panic-stricken eyes. The harsh mountain winds were whipping through the open tower, leaving the stranded creature exposed and entirely unable to figure out how to climb safely back down on its own.
Because marmots can deliver a serious bite when terrified, our high-angle rescue team had to approach the stranded animal with extreme care and patience. We secured our safety harnesses and slowly crept along the narrow metal platform, placing a dark, inviting transport den just a few feet away from the shivering creature. Recognizing a small, safe space to hide, the exhausted marmot finally broke its frozen stance and darted straight into the secure carrier. Once we safely repelled back down to the solid earth, we opened the carrier door near a sunny, rocky outcrop, watching happily as the brave little climber scurried safely into a proper underground burrow.