Marmot (Arctomys), a genus of rodents, belonging to the family Sciuridae, resemble squirrels in their dentition, although in form and habits they more closely resemble rats and mice. They have two incisors and two premolars in each jaw, four molars on each side above, and three below.—The Common Marmot, or Alpine Marmot (A. marmotta), is a native of the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the more northern mountains of Europe, up to the limits of perpetual snow, and is found also in Asia. It is about the size of a rabbit, grayish yellow, brown towards the head; feeds on roots, leaves, insects, &c.; and is gregarious, often living in large societies. Marmots spend the winter in their burrows, in one chamber of which is a store of dried grass; but the greater part of the winter is passed in a torpid condition. The Alpine Marmot is easily tamed. There are three kinds of marmots in North America, all popularly termed 'Woodchucks.' The 'Prairie Marmot' (see PRAIRIE
DOG) is nearly allied, but does not belong to the same genus.