SPOKANE — A determined marmot turned a Spokane homeowner’s attic into its personal residence, chewing through roof materials and wildlife screens before professional intervention finally resolved the situation.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife initially expressed skepticism when a caller reported the unusual break-in. However, the evidence proved undeniable as the marmot chewed a hole in the roof and stuck its head out of the opening. When the homeowner installed wildlife screening, the animal chewed through that barrier. After a metal covering was placed over the first hole, the resourceful rodent created a second opening.
Wildlife officials note that small mammals frequently seek shelter in residential spaces during nesting season, commonly hiding under decks, in crawlspaces, garages and sheds.
The homeowner hired a wildlife control operator to address the persistent intruder. The marmot avoided three traps in the attic before wandering into a one-way trap secured to the roof. The animal then somehow escaped from what should have been a secure device.
Both the homeowner and wildlife control operator maintained their determination. Their continued efforts eventually succeeded when the marmot was confined to a trap it could not escape. A thorough attic inspection revealed no baby marmots had been left behind.
Homeowners facing similar wildlife intrusions can access resources through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website, which provides guidance on evicting animals from buildings and maintains a list of licensed wildlife control operators.
If you find yourself with a wildlife roommate, check out WDFW’s web page on Evicting animals from buildings, or you can hire a wildlife control operator (WCO) to do the work for you.
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