We are going to take a trip waaay back to elementary school. I can’t remember what grade it was but for some reason I remember doing a school project on this cute but incredibly endangered animal called the Vancouver Island Marmot. I have had a soft spot for these furry little critters ever since that interesting school project. Unfortunately, I don’t have my school project on hand so I will have to wing this Wild Fact.
The Vancouver Island Marmot is only found on Vancouver Island and as such is one of the most endangered animals in the world. In the mid 80’s there were about 300 of these critters roaming around; however, today there are only about 75 remaining of which only 25 are actually living in the wild. It is sad to think that forestry and increased predation has brought the Vancouver Island Marmot to the brink of extinction. Luckily there is a recovery plan and I will post a link to additional information at the end of this Fact.
So we know they are endangered but what the heck is a Vancouver Island Marmot?? Well, the marmot is one of the largest members of the squirrel family and this particular marmot is one of the largest of the 15 different species found throughout the world. The Vancouver Island variety lives high up in the mountains and eats various types of vegetation. Just like their squirrely cousins, this marmot has a cheek pouch, however, it is not used to store food since it has no retracting muscles. Maybe they just use them to make cool faces and sounds while riding their little bikes as fast as they can down the mountains. Come on, it’s possible?!?
The Vancouver Island Marmot lives in colonies composed of one or more marmot families. Each colony will have an adult male, one or more adult females and several sub-adults such as yearlings and new-borns. Hopefully, they will have several more new-borns to replenish the population.
Vancouver Island Marmot Fast Fact: In the wild this particular marmot will hibernate for about 210 days. They go for their nap around September/October and wake up in April or May. Talk about being well rested for the feeding season!
As promised, the following website provides some great information on the Vancouver Island Marmot including an option to adopt a cute and fuzzy marmot but you better hurry since they are going fast! Here is the link:
Enjoy the information and the rest of your day!
My first reaction to the picture was that it was related to the beaver (not the tail) but the face. At a fast glance in the first picture it looks like he (she)has beaver teeth. Are they the same size as a squirrel or bigger?
Thanks Nathan!
It definitely looks like a beaver but you have to remember that a beaver is also a rodent. Both these animals are large rodents. The Vancouver Island Marmot can get as long as 2′ and weigh up to 15 lbs. Although they are in the squirrel family, they are much larger than a regular squirrel.
this is so cool i had to pick a last minute report and this is probally gonna be the bet report ever!
It would be so sad if it’s gone!
Marmots seem to do pretty well in captivity, at least there are cases of them being kept as pets. Could that help to preserve them?