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Let's be honest, when you hike Mount Rainier, your trip isn't complete until you come across a marmot. And this chonk did not disappoint! I took quite a few years away from photography and recently traded in my older DSLR for a new, smaller mirrorless Fuji. Never before having a zoom lens, wildlife photography was never a thought. This hike alone was enough to make me fall absolutely head over heels for wildlife photography; bears, mountain goats, chipmunks, squirrels, Steller's jays, deer, and of course, the marmot all within just a few hours! Acting like a model, the marmot laid just a few feet off the trail striking many poses and putting on a show for all hikers who passed by. I noticed myself watching the people walking by, only stopping for a quick laugh and a quick cell phone picture then continuing on. Taking my time and enjoying the playfulness of the marmot gave me the perfect opportunity for him to finally ask, "do I have something in my teeth?"