Many of you know I have a thing for squirrels.  Always have and always will.  (On a side note: The second week in October is always Squirrel Awareness Week, which is a very exciting time for this pet blogger.  Right up there with Christmas and February 15th, which is 1/2 off Valentines Candy Day) 

Imagine my sheer delight when I just recently found out that marmots are in fact large squirrels in the genus Marmota.  Who knew?!  I do now!

Recently I visited our wonderful Allan Brooks Nature Centre where every Spring I stop in to get my marmot fix.  Thoughout the summer I'll certainly see marmots out and about in nature but it's at the nature centre itself that I get the intense critter viewing experience. What all marmot addicts crave. 

(They always seem so happy to see me!) 

(Using my state-of-the-art non-existant zoom lense, I capture such stunning detail.  I counted 7 in this shot but there were even more beyond this view.  Heaven.) 

(They love to smile) 

(10 minutes later..... And they like to stand still a lot) 

  (I'm running for Mayor next election)

(I know, I know...I am quite the expert on the species) 

You can learn more about marmots here. If you want to learn more about my marmot hommies in particular (the Yellow-bellied marmot) this video will give you the closest to a marmot viewing fix next to being there in person.  (Video by Bruce Mol of www.bmidd.com)

And for those who have never seen this fantastic little video, enjoy.  One of my all-time favorites. 

Here's to the marmots of the world and us humans that openly adore them.  Forget Muskrat Love, Captain and Tennille.  It's Marmot Love for this gal.