The Alpine marmot, a small rodent known for its fluffy fur and distinctive chirping, is a familiar sight in the French Alps, often featured on postcards and social media. Despite its image as a harmless, picturesque animal, it is legally hunted each autumn in France under a 1987 decree. Over 1,000 marmots are estimated to be killed annually, with the practice regulated by regional quotas, a mandatory hunting quota book introduced in 1998, and a newer app called ChassAdapt designed to help hunters comply with rules. However, a significant portion of the French public—69%—opposes the hunt, according to available data. The Alpine marmot is classified as a protected species under the Bern Convention, an international agreement France ratified in 1990. This treaty requires member countries to ensure that populations of protected species are not at risk of extinction. While the French government claims the marmot is not endangered, citing international data that suggests population growth, some scientists report a decline in marmot numbers in France since the 1990s. Factors such as stray dogs, human encroachment into mountain areas, and climate change are believed to be contributing to this decline, creating a divide between local and international assessments of the species’ status. The hunting season typically occurs in autumn, after most tourists have left the region, and in areas far from popular hiking trails, which limits public exposure to the practice. Despite this, public opposition has grown, with a petition against the hunt collecting over 63,500 signatures. Environmental groups have also voiced concerns, and in 2022, 125 local and parliamentary officials signed an open letter calling for the marmot to be removed from the list of huntable species. However, both the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Grenoble Administrative Court have upheld the legality of the hunt. Critics argue that the Alpine marmot does not threaten agriculture or overpopulate, making the justification for hunting unclear. This debate highlights broader conflicts in France between traditional practices, conservation goals, and shifting public attitudes toward wildlife management in mountain regions. As the popularity of the marmot as a cultural icon grows, so does the pressure to reconsider its protection status and the ethics of hunting it.