The scientific name for the marmot commonly seen in Colorado is marmota flaviventris; literally "yellow-bellied marmot." True to its name, this species of marmot does actually have a yellow belly. But in our slang the term "yellow bellied" means cowardly, a description which could not be more inappropriate for the noble and majestic marmot which is a very honorable creature by any and all accounts. Gavin wishes for everyone to know that the marmot was assigned its scientific name before the term "yellow bellied" became associated with cowardice and that it is a mere coincidence which results from the fact that the belly of the marmot has a yellowish tinge. It is a very unfortunate turn of events for the marmot, but usually its proud and noble behavior is so obvious to onlookers that there is no concern of mistaking it for a creature of cowardly bearing.