What are marmots, or so-called loafers?Small populations of furry animals with exceptionally funny whistling and interesting way of life is quite common in the steppe.
Habitats
representative rodents - marmots (loafer) is the oldest inhabitant of the steppes of Asia and Europe.Today, their number has declined due to active human activity, such as for example plowing steppe areas.These funny animals live in certain areas in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the Middle Volga region, as well as in southern Urals - from the Urals to the Irtysh.
In Soviet times during the development of virgin land, as well as for the activities against the plague numbers of marmots are quite reduced.And only in the last decade, it began to grow.Nowadays, in some territories of marmots organized reserves.They play an important role for the protection of these animals.
Lifestyle
Marmot (loafer) is a fairly large rodent yellowish-red color up to 10 kg and a body length of about 70 cm. Living these animals in holes whose depth sometimes reaches 2 m. From September to March, marmots spend inhibernation.The rest of the time, they are on the surface of the earth from sunrise to sunset.
During the meal a couple of animals, standing on his hind legs, watching the countryside.And the appearance of the enemies of this report all relatives and hide in burrows.Meals for marmots are insects and plants such as wild oats, clover, wheat grass, and so on.The day before the animal eats 1 kg of food.Water it practically does not use.Lifespan bobaks an average of about 10 years.The main enemies of these animals - wolves, birds of prey and the man.
valuable fishing
addition that the groundhog (loafer) very fun and interesting, it is still a very valuable commercial animals.The skin of these animals is well simulates the kind of expensive furs, and therefore has a huge demand.During the international fur auctions marmot skins sold out quickly, also for a hefty price.Coat of marmot is a wonderful gift for the woman.In the production of the animal it is very important not to spoil his pelt.
addition, from an adult animal can produce about 2 kg of tender meat and about 1 kg of valuable fat.This is also very much appreciated the steppe marmot (loafer).The fat of the animal, resulting in the autumn, is not only used for technical purposes, but also widely used in the form of high calorie foods.In addition, he is a proven remedy for the fight against tuberculosis, anemia.Also Surkov fat is very effective in a variety of traumatic injuries.
Hunting
starts hunting marmot (marmot) in mid-July and continues until almost the end of August.This whole process takes place in the open steppe or in the harvested grain fields.Discover rodents - it is easy.Mounds up to 70 cm above the mink give their habitats.
hunt on Groundhog often with a gun.Catching these animal traps in many countries, is illegal.Most hunters hunt marmots for fun, not to get his fat, thick fur or tasty meat.In any case, the hunting of this animal requires a sharp eye and a reliable weapon.At the beginning of the hunting season, when the groundhog (loafer) not especially fearful, many turns to sneak up on him for a shot from the shotgun.Preferably, however, all this happens in the presence of rifles.Shooting Groundhog possible and ammunition rimfire caliber of 5.6 (melkashki) and large-caliber weapons.If a hunter shots loafer lying hidden in the grass of the steppe.
