Daniel Blumstein has faced funding challenges for his extensive study on yellow-bellied marmots, particularly since some environmental research funding cuts under the Trump administration. Blumstein, watching the Apple TV comedy “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” found inspiration in the protagonist’s choice to explore digital sex work for financial stability. This led him to consider leveraging the lab’s amusing videos of marmots by creating an OnlyFans account named “OnlyMarms.”
The OnlyFans platform is commonly associated with explicit content; however, Blumstein emphasizes that OnlyMarms is a family-friendly endeavor. The account showcases new comical images of marmots biweekly since June, each accompanied by a brief biography. The team is currently gearing up for “Fat Marmot Week,” a public engagement event akin to Alaska’s “Fat Bear Week,” scheduled to kick off on August 24. There is a possibility of collaborating with Vancouver Island Marmots from a Canadian conservationist group during this event.
Blumstein’s research at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory focuses on understanding yellow-bellied marmots’ aging and responses to climate change. This study, active since 1962, is the second-longest study of individual wild mammals, following Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee study. The research delves into epigenetics and aging patterns in hibernating mammals, shedding light on how environmental factors influence genetic functions.
The lab’s work on marmots’ physiology aims to unravel mechanisms of obesity without adverse health effects. Blumstein advocates for body positivity in marmots, highlighting the necessity for these animals to double or triple their weight to survive hibernation periods. Despite facing funding setbacks and rejections, Blumstein has sustained his research through collaborations and external grants.
OnlyMarms has generated approximately $3,000 US in funding since its inception, though Blumstein acknowledges this amount is insufficient to meet the project’s financial demands. He encourages supporters to donate directly to UCLA to support the marmot study. While OnlyFans serves as a funding avenue, Blumstein notes its limitations, including a 20% commission and tax obligations. He stresses the need for additional funding to sustain the research project.
