Researchers studying marmots in Colorado are turning to an unusual fundraising platform after losing federal support, according to UPI Odd News.
Daniel Blumstein, a UCLA ecology and evolutionary biology professor, leads a marmot research program at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory that has operated since 1962. The project is now in jeopardy after research grants were canceled last year by President Donald Trump’s administration.
To help cover costs, Blumstein and his team created an OnlyFans page called “OnlyMarms.” The account features daily photos and videos of wild marmots and allows supporters to leave tips for the research effort.
The page is run by first-year master’s student Emily Renkey, who said she aims to share appealing animal footage while also using the platform to teach people about marmot behavior. The research group is also raising money through other efforts, including Marmot Tears IPA and an upcoming Fat Marmot Week event in August.
Blumstein said the program is still seeking traditional funding sources as well.
