They are very shy; rarely letting you get within range of a gun.

They are, therefore, seldom shot at.
Moreover, it takes great trouble to capture them by digging--on account of the depth of their burrows--and as their skins are not very valuable, and their flesh but a bite at best, they are not often molested by the hunter." "But are they eatable ?" inquired Francois.
"Yes," answered Lucien; "the Indians are very fond of their flesh, and eat it whenever they can conveniently get it; but, indeed, they will do the same for almost every living creature." "What do marmots feed upon in winter, when there is no grass for them ?" inquired Francois.
"They then lie torpid.

They have nests in their subterranean chambers, and curious nests these are.

They are constructed of grass and roots, are as round as a globe, and so firmly woven together, that one of them might be kicked over the prairie like a foot-ball.

The nest is within, with a small hole leading into it, just large enough to admit your finger--for when the marmot goes inside, he closes all up, except this little hole, through which he gets all the air he requires.