2. • The Vancouver Island marmot is typical of alpine-dwelling marmots in
general marmots in general form and physiology.
• This species can be easily distinguished from other marmots by its rich
chocolate brown fur and contrasting white patches.
• No other marmot species naturally occurs on Vancouver Island, But the
Vancouver Island marmot as its name suggests is geographically restricted
to Vancouver island.
• An adult Vancouver Island marmot typically measures 65-70cm from the
tip of it’s nose to the tip of it’s tail.
• It’s weight shows tremendous seasonal variation.
• An adult female that weights 3 kg when she emerges from hibernation in
late April.
• She can weigh 4.5-5.5 kg by the one set of hibernation in late September
or October.
• Adult males can be even larger reaching weights of over 7kgs!
• In general marmots lose about ne third of their body mass during the six-
and-a-half months in which they hibernate during winter.
3. Why are Vancouver island
marmots endangered?
The Vancouver Island marmots are endangered
because their habitats are being replaced by
ski slopes. Also because colonies of marmots
are isolated on mountains.
4. How can we help them?
We can help by calling The
British Columbia Wildlife
Act.
