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Step 1
Look at the animal's size. Large varieties of marmot may be 2 feet long or more, but some may be smaller.
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Step 2
Look at the animal's body proportions. All varieties of marmot share the same body type, which is a stocky, thickset body with a short, broad head, short legs, small ears close to the head and a bushy tail.
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Step 3
Observe the animal's coloration. Many varieties of marmot are light brown or gray, with darker feet, dark patches on the face and lighter bellies. Different marmot varieties, however, can vary widely in coloration, from extremely variegated with very dark feet and a white spot on the face, to uniformly brown or reddish-brown.
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Step 4
Observe the animal's location. Marmots live in natural habitats around the world, but tend to be located in the northern United States, Canada, Alaska, Siberia, Asia and Europe, generally in alpine regions.
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Step 5
Make note of the animal's habitat. Marmots are burrowing animals and like to spend their time in rocky areas where they can find cover quickly.
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Step 6
Check the time. Marmots prefer to come out in the morning and afternoon, but can be spotted at other times of the day.
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Step 7
Check the calendar. Marmots hibernate in the winter, so you're not likely to spot one during cold weather, and you're most likely to spot one in the spring or early summer.
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Step 8
Observe the weather. Marmots like windy conditions to keep mosquitoes and other pests under control.
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Step 9
Listen for communication. Marmots communicate with one another through high-pitched whistles. If you hear a whistle, a marmot may have spotted you and is alerting his group.
