With spring approaching in the Inland Northwest, one of the first nuisance wildlife problems to reappear around Spokane is marmots.
Also known as rock chucks or whistle pigs, these large burrowing rodents spend most of the winter in deep hibernation. As temperatures begin to warm, they start emerging hungry and ready to reclaim territory.
For homeowners, that’s often when the trouble begins.
Where They Show Up Around Homes
In the Spokane area.
Marmots commonly burrow around:
-Retaining walls -Concrete slabs
-Rock landscaping
-Foundations
-Decks and sheds
These burrow systems can extend 15–30 feet underground, and over time they can undermine structures and cause settling or collapse.
Areas along the Spokane River corridor and the I-90 area tend to see particularly heavy marmot activity.
Signs You Might Have Marmots Nearby
Homeowners usually notice:
Large burrow openings (6–10 inches wide)
Fresh dirt piles near rocks or structures
Chewed vegetation or garden damage
Marmots sunning themselves on rocks or retaining walls A sharp whistling alarm call (where the nickname whistle pig comes from)
Why Early Spring Matters
When marmots wake up from hibernation they immediately start:
Feeding heavily
Reestablishing territory
Preparing for breeding season
Addressing activity early in the season can prevent larger problems later in the year.
If you’re seeing marmot activity around your property in the Spokane area, early intervention is often the best approach.
Tahoma Specialty Pest Services
509-978-7830
tahomapest.com
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Tahoma Specialty Pest Services 