Two marmots, believed to have hitchhiked with Burning Man travelers, were released back into the wild near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday after an unexpected journey to the Bay Area.
The marmots, which were cared for by Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue (YUWR), were released at an elevation of about 7,800 feet in the Sierra Nevada, marking the end of their 18-day adventure.
The marmots were found separately, one in San Francisco's Mission District on September 4 and the other in Antioch a few days later. Wildlife experts suspect the marmots climbed into vehicle undercarriages, possibly drawn by warmth or the smell of radiator fluid, and traveled from the mountains to the Bay Area.
According to KTLA, the marmots became local celebrities during their stay at YUWR, capturing hearts online. Lila Talcott Travis, founder of YUWR, expressed joy at their return to the wild, noting the importance of timing as marmots prepare to hibernate for winter.
YUWR urges travelers to check their vehicles for wildlife stowaways, especially after large events like Burning Man. Anyone needing assistance can contact YUWR's 24/7 wildlife emergency hotline at (510) 421-9897.
KRON4 reports that the marmots' story went viral, and they were monitored and cared for by volunteers to ensure they were healthy enough to return to their natural habitat. The rescue group hopes to prevent future incidents by raising awareness about marmots' hitchhiking tendencies.