Marmots Invade Sequoia National Park, Stealing Shoes and Damaging Cars

Sequoia National Park in California is facing an unusual challenge: a surge in aggressive behavior from its resident marmots. These large rodents, typically known to be wary of humans, are now boldly approaching hikers and campers, stealing their belongings, and even damaging vehicles.

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I was so surprised. I never imagined I would be bitten by a marmot while sleeping in the forest.

The marmots have been observed snatching backpacks and shoes, gnawing on hiking poles, and in some cases, chasing people. One hiker described waking up to a marmot inches from his face, an encounter he never imagined possible in the wilderness. Another camper lost a shoe to a marmot, leading him to habitually tie his shoes tightly when camping.

This behavior is particularly concentrated in parking lots near trailheads, where marmots have been known to break into vehicles. They chew on internal components, leading to costly damage and even rendering cars inoperable. One visitor reported paying over $1,000 for a tow after a marmot damaged their vehicle, forcing them to navigate a remote mountain road.

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You have to guard your shoes like you're protecting food from bears.

Experts suggest the marmots' attraction to salt is driving this bold behavior. The salt from human sweat on hiking gear, backpack straps, and even car radiator coolant is proving irresistible. The National Park Service has issued warnings to visitors, urging them to be vigilant and take precautions to protect their vehicles and belongings in marmot-prone areas.

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It sounded like a battlefield.