Tag Archives: marmots

27

How Not to Wake Up From Hibernation – Part 3

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Feeding Cuteness on the Himalayas: Up Close and Personal with Adorable Marmots

Where we are: Sophie Marmot and her daughters woke up from hibernation to a clubhouse for their subdivision being built right over their burrow. Unable to stop construction on her own, Sophie has hired  an attorney, Java Gorilla, to help her. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

Xavier News | GRIZZLY versus GORILLA: Who Would Win?

Java has been granted an emergency order to stop construction on the clubhouse. He told Sophie and the girls that it was safe to stay in their burrow and that they should stay there so there would be no issue of abandonment. In the meantime, he sent out his ace evidence team, the Super Sleuth Snake Squad (S4) to see what they could find. He had requested a hearing in front of Judge Peter T Possum. Sophie was visiting his office.

Gorilla In Hat Sitting At The Desk Background, Funny Picture Work, Funny, Picture Background Image And Wallpaper for Free Download

Sophie: How are things looking, Java?

Java: Let me find out. Spencer, would you please come in here?

A very large prairie rattlesnake came in. Sophie was terrified. Java spoke up quickly.

Java: Don’t worry Sophie. He won’t hurt you. Spencer is my top investigator. He’s here to help you.

Spencer: Very pleased to meet you.

Sophie: P-p-pleased to meet you.

Prairie Rattlesnake

Java: What have you found out, Spencer?

Spencer: First, the original plan filed with the county doesn’t show a clubhouse. That was added later.

Java: Does it show the clubhouse over Sophie’s burrow?

Spencer: Originally it was going to be quite a ways south of her burrow. It was going to be at the edge of the subdivision, bordering on land that is currently occupied by bears.

Marmots | Catseye Pest Control

Sophie: That agrees with what my neighbors told me. How did it end up over my burrow?

Spencer: That is an excellent question. There is no paperwork filed for that location. My team is still working on that.

Sophie: Will it be ready in time for our meeting with the judge?

Java: Don’t worry. S4 has never let me down.

Picked-On Marmots May Inherit Their Low Social Position | Discover Magazine

Sophie went home feeling very nervous. Java seemed like such a nice, professional gorilla. What if the snakes couldn’t find anything. By the time the meeting with the judge occurred, she was sure they wouldn’t be able to find anything to hold Maurice Dupree accountable.

When she arrived at the court building, she saw Java waiting for her. She also saw Maurice, the president of the Homeowners Association (HOA). He looked very relaxed and was talking on his phone. They all went in and sat in a conference room. Maurice did not have an attorney with him.

Opossum | Game Commission | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Judge Possum: I understand that we are here to determine whether or not a clubhouse should be build over the burrow of Ms. Sophie Marmot-Jones. Is that correct?

Maurice: That is correct, Your Honor.

Java: Yes, that is the issue. My client woke up from hibernation to the sound of stakes being driven into her living quarters.

Maurice: She knew when she moved in that there we were going to build a clubhouse in the spring. She signed a contract with that information included. I have a copy with me.

Koko Eats Paper - The Gorilla Foundation

He handed the contract to the judge. Judge Possum looked at the section that Maurice had highlighted.

Judge Possum: I see that construction of the clubhouse was included. However, I don’t see a location.

Java: That’s because the location on the paperwork is not where he was building. The paperwork he filed shows the clubhouse being on the other side of the subdivision.

Maurice: You obviously missed the addendum we filed. We had to move the clubhouse because the original location was in a high-traffic part of the subdivision.

Mount Rainier National Park... - Mount Rainier National Park

Judge Possum: Please give me a copy of that addendum.

Maurice: My assistant filed it. It should be public record.

Judge Possum: Then give me a copy.

Java: Excuse me, your Honor. We have researched the public records thoroughly. There is no addendum,. However, we did find someone who knows why it was moved. May I give you their statement?

Angry Gorilla by Paulette Thomas

Maurice: I have a right to see what you’re giving the judge.

Judge Possum: He’s right. He should have been given a copy.

Java: I didn’t think I needed to give it to him. He’s one of the signers on the document.

Maurice: That’s ridiculous. I have no idea what he’s talking about.

More cute opossum. | Fandom

Judge Possum: Let me see it.

The judge looked over the paperwork. It was a short note attached to a receipt.

Judge Possum: This says you moved the clubhouse after Rafael Bear performed several jobs for you. You signed the receipt.

Maurice: It wasn’t going to be a problem until Sophie moved in at the end of the summer. That spot had been open for a long time.

37 Photos of Ridiculously Happy Animals that are Bound to Make You Smile

Judge Possum: I see. She’s there now, and she shouldn’t have to live with stakes in her home and all of the noise. You’re going to have to remove all of the building materials from that location and build somewhere else. Be sure to file the correct paperwork the next time.

Maurice: Yes, Your Honor.

Java: Thank you, Your Honor.

Happy Birthday Marmots! – The Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

19

How Not to Wake Up From Hibernation – Part 2

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Himalayan marmot, India 2016 | Only one species of marmot (M… | Flickr

Where we are: Sophie Marmot and her daughters had moved into a new burrow last fall. They had awoken from hibernation to find that their Homeowners Association (HOA) was building a clubhouse directly over their burrow. Both the builders and the president of the HOA told her that nothing could be done. You can read about it here.

Fur flies as angry Swiss farmers take aim at marmots

After talking to some of her neighbors, Sophie had learned  that the clubhouse was not originally planned to be over her burrow. The original plan was to build it near the entry of the subdivision, just off the woods.There had been a lot of arguing among the animals who lived in the woods but would not be allowed to use the clubhouse. As far as anyone knew, the issue hadn’t been resolved prior to hibernation.

Long-tailed marmot - Wikipedia

Sophie: I guess I need to find out who decided to move it over my burrow.

Nelly: That won’t be easy. Maurice controls everything.

Sophie: Then I’ll have to talk to a lawyer. We have an old family friend who should be able to help.

Sophie and the girls made an appointment to see Stanley J Marmot, Attorney at Law.

Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota) · iNaturalist

Stanley: Welcome to my office. May I ask how you got my name? I like to thank folks who send me referrals.

Sophie: Actually you did some work for my uncle, Stuart Yellow-Belly, and my father Mortimer.

Stanley thought for a few minutes.

Stanley: I’m sorry, what did you say your uncle’s name was?

Sophie: Stuart Yellow-Belly

Stanley: You’d think I would remember a name like that.

photographs by Mark Chappell

The girls looked at each other and tried not to giggle.

Sophie: You helped him sell some property. He spoke very highly of you.

Stanley: That’s nice to hear. How is Stuart?

Sophie: Unfortunately, he passed away last year.

Stanley: I’m sorry to hear that. You said I knew your father as well?

Sophie: Yes, Mortimer Yellow-Belly.

Yellow Bellied Marmot | Umpqua Watersheds

Stanley: Those are very interesting names. Your grandmother was very creative.

Sophie: She was a yellow-bellied Marmot.

Stanley. Oh, yes. That makes sense. Did you have a reason to come by?

Sophie was wondering if she should just tell him that she had changed her mind. But her father had spoken very highly of Stanley. So she told him the entire story about purchasing the burrow and waking up to a clubhouse being built over it. Stuart had closed his eyes, and she wasn’t certain he was still awake.

Free Stock Photo of A group of groundhogs in grass | Download Free Images and Free Illustrations

Sophie: So I was speaking with my neighbors who have been in the HOA longer than us. They said that the plan had not been to build the clubhouse over my burrow. I need to find out why the plans changed.

Stanley: That does sound very unfortunate. Did you sign a contract with the HOA?

Sophie: Yes, I did. I brought it with me.

Stanley glanced over the contract and stopped at the last page.

Marmot - Wikipedia

Stanley: Is this your signature?

Sophie: Yes, it is.

Stanley: Then you have to abide by the rules of the HOA.

Sophie: But there’s nothing in that about the location of the clubhouse. I need you to find out whether it was changed after I moved into my burrow.

Stanley: How would you suggest I do that?

Sophie: I don’t know. That’s why I need a lawyer.

Yosemite)Nose to Nose....yet another marmot picture but t… | Flickr

Stanley: Oh. I see. I really don’t see that you have much of a case here. You did agree to live in the subdivision with this HOA setting the rules.

Sophie was almost in tears.

Sophie: Thank you for your time.

Stanley: My pleasure. Please say hello to your uncle and father for me.

World Wildlife Fund | WWFGifts Catalog

When they returned to their burrow, they discovered that the entryway had partially collapsed from the work above it. They had to dig out a new entry.

Nikki: Mama, do we have to move?

Sophie: No, sweetie. We’re going to have to figure out a way to stop the building. Maybe I should talk to that nice bear I met the other day.

Nikki: Bears are scary. I don’t think you should do that.

Viaero Wireless - It's Groundhog Day! | Facebook

Zoe had been scrolling through her phone. She handed it to her mother.

Zoe: Maybe you should try this guy. It says he specializes in helping prey animals against predators.

Nikki: We’re not going to be eaten.

Zoe: No. But we’re definitely less powerful than Maurice.

Photo & Art Print Gorilla monkey looking at smartphone. Generative AI

Sophie (looking at the phone): I guess it’s worth a try.

Sophie dialed the number and waited nervously. 

Voice: Java J Gorilla, Attorney-at-Law. How can I help you?

Sophie quickly explained what was going on.

Meet Shabani the gorilla, the internet's latest unlikely crush | Animals | The Guardian

Java: What is the name of the subdivision?

Sophie: Marmot Meadows.

Java: Who is in charge of the HOA?

Sophie: Maurice Dupree.

Java: I know that name. And I think I can help you.

Rain is not doing us good... - Gorilla safari uganda. | Facebook

Next week: Can Java actually do anything for Sophie?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

25

How Not to Wake Up From Hibernation

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Yellow-bellied Marmot

Sophie Marmot and her two daughters,Nikki and Zoe, had moved into a large new burrow at the beginning of last summer. It was at the edge of the woods near some large rocks. She had wanted to burrow toward the woods, but the Homeowners Association (HOA) had said that burrows could not be pointed in that direction. Maurice, the head of the HOA, gave Sophie a binder full of rules regarding what she could and couldn’t do with her property.

What is hibernation? - Nature Alberta

Regardless of the restrictions, Sophie and the girls loved their new home. The door was well-hidden under a rock, and there was plenty of space for living and sleeping. They happily settled into hibernation in October and passed the winter peacefully. As they slowly began to come out of hibernation, they were startled awake by a loud pounding.

Zoe: Mama, what is that?

Nikki: It sounds like it’s coming right into the burrow.

Marmots

Sophie: Don’t worry. I’m sure we’re safe in here. It just sounds very loud.

They huddled together and waited for the noise to stop. Suddenly, with a loud bang, a rod came through the ceiling of the tunnel. It barely missed Nikki. She screamed.

Sophie: That’s enough. I’m going outside to see what is going on.

Zoe: We’re coming too. I’m afraid they won’t miss us if they do that again.

The Marmots of British Columbia ...

They quietly crawled along the tunnel until they reached the door. Sunlight was streaming into the tunnel.

Nikki: Where’s our rock, Mama? Did a badger try to get in to eat us?

Zoe: Or a wolf or a coyote?

Sophie: Don’t worry girls. I’m sure we were much too far in the tunnel for anyone to come hunting for us.

Why do beavers build dams? - BBC Science Focus Magazine

They cautiously crept out of the tunnel and looked around. There were beavers everywhere, working on what appeared to be a large building. Sophie walked up to one of them and asked who was in charge. He pointed at two beavers talking to each other at the edge of the woods.

Sophie: Excuse me, the beaver said that you are in charge of what is going on? Who are you?

Beaver: My name is Jacques, and this is my brother Marcel. We own J&M Builders.

Bringing back beavers | Shropshire Wildlife Trust

Zoe: I know you. I’ve seen you on AniGram. You have those, “We build til you’re thrilled” videos.

Marcel: Yep, That’s us.

Zoe: Why are you here?

Jacques: We’re building a clubhouse for the Marmot Meadows subdivision.

Sophie: Why are you building it on top of our burrow? You almost killed us.

Jacques: Sorry, Ma’am. We’re just following orders.

Aspen and Juniper: A Beaver Love Story | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Sophie: Who hired you?

Jacques: Let me check. It looks like the paperwork was signed by Maurice Dupree. Do you know anyone by that name?

Sophie: Yes. He’s the idiot who told me I had to dig my burrow here. You can’t put a building over my burrow.

Jacques: I think you need to take it up with Mr. Dupree. We can’t make any changes unless he tells us to stop what we’re doing.

A Relocated Bear Walked 1,000 Miles Back to Its Favorite Campsite

Sophie walked away chittering to herself. She was so angry, she almost ran into a large black bear.

Sophie: I’m very sorry. Please forgive me.

Bear: Not a problem. I’m Rafael. Are you a marmot by chance?

Sophie: Yes I am. Why do you ask?

Rafael: I’m looking for a Marmot named Maurice. Do you know where I might find him?

Whisper | The Walt Disney Family Museum

Sophie: I’m looking for him myself. He seems to have authorized those beavers to put their building up over my burrow.

They had reached Maurice’s door. Sophie knocked, and Maurice came to the door.

Maurice: Rafael! Good to see you. How are things going?

Rafael: Can’t complain. I just wanted to thank you for moving your clubhouse away from our den. I’m sure it will be a lot quieter at our end of the woods now.

Sophie: On the other hand, I’m here to complain. Your clubhouse is going to be directly over my burrow. The girls and I aren’t going to get any sleep. And they put a pole right through our dining room. It’s not safe.

Angry Marmot | Explore: Highest position 456 | Luca Bobbiesi | Flickr

Maurice: Sophie, dear. Just let them finish. I’m sure it won’t be as bad as you expect. The rest of us hibernate at the same time you do. You won’t be disturbed at all.

Sophie: I paid a lot for that spot. I should be able to enjoy it.

Maurice: Perhaps you didn’t read the special assessment you signed last fall. It said that we would be building a clubhouse for all members and it would be centrally located. There really isn’t anything I can do for you.

Sophie was furious, but she walked off.

Groundhog Standing | Anne Ahearne | Flickr

Next week: Can Sophie get her privacy back?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.