[2] It is one of fourteen species of marmots, and is native to mountainous and semi-arid regions of southwestern Canada and western United States, including the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and the Great Basin, often (but not exclusively) living above 2,000 metres (6,500 feet)[citation needed].

The fur is mainly brown, with a dark bushy tail, yellow chest and white patch between the eyes, and they weigh up to approximately 5 kilograms (11 pounds).

[4] Due to the bright yellow fur on their belly, sides of the neck, and throat, they get their scientific and common names.

The yellow-bellied marmot lives in southwestern Canada and western United States, including the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.

[6] It inhabits steppes, meadows, talus fields, and other open habitats, sometimes on the edge of deciduous or coniferous forests.

[7] They are found in valleys, meadows, and foothills, and tend to occupy open areas which are free of vegetation.

Upon seeing a predator, the yellow-bellied marmot whistles to warn the others in the area,[5][a] after which it typically hides in a nearby rock pile until there is no more threat.

[8] Each male marmot digs a burrow soon after it wakes from hibernation, and starts looking for females to reproduce.

[6] In food choice experiments, yellow-bellied marmots are known to reject plants containing defensive compounds.

[12] Due to this, they consume flowers of lupines, larkspur, and columbine, but avoid their shoots containing toxic compounds.

[1] As there are no major threats to this species and it is protected in several areas throughout its range, there is not much concern for serious conservation efforts to be put in place.