The giant ground squirrel with its brown pelt, yellow belly and white face patch is not so familiar in El Dorado County — Yosemite’s alpine climes above 6,500 feet are marmots’ natural home.

The resourceful marmot found its way inside the engine compartment of Phoebe Stokes’ Honda hatchback during Stokes’ recent trip to the national park. The giant ground squirrel with its brown ...

The giant ground squirrel with its brown pelt, yellow belly and white face patch is not so familiar in El Dorado County — Yosemite’s alpine climes above 6,500 feet are marmots’ natural home.