The 1st Fat Marmot Week winner is a 'special boy who likes to eat rocks'

Dawn, the chubby marmot who has a penchant for eating rocks, has clinched the top spot in the inaugural Fat Marmot Week contest in Gothic, Colorado. This quirky event is part of the Marmot Project, a long-term study initiative that's now facing uncertain funding due to budget cuts in the U.S. The contest not only highlights the quirky behaviors of these animals but also raises awareness and funds for the project, which plays a crucial role in understanding marmot populations and their ecosystems.