Hoary Marmot

Marmots are the largest ground squirrels in the world. They usually live in mountainous areas and have thick coats to keep them warm. They are very social animals that often live in colonies. They are also very vocal and produce a number of different calls. During the day, marmots feed on the plants in alpine or subalpine meadows. At night, they sleep in the extensive burrow system that they've constructed.

There are four species of marmots in British Columbia - the hoary marmot, the yellow-bellied marmot, the Vancouver Island marmot and the groundhog. The groundhog is related to the other three animals but is a little different from them. The Hoary Marmot is found in the sub alpine and alpine areas of the Lillooet Sub Region and the Yellow-bellied Marmot is found in the lower elevations of the Sub Region. The marmots of British Columbia are very interesting animals to observe, but they can only be seen in summer. The animals hibernate for seven or eight months each year. The hoary marmot is a big animal that gets its name from the mantle of white hair over its shoulder and upper back.

The Hoary Marmot is a key food source for grizzly bears in the spring summer and fall, second to the Whitebark Pine cones. The marmot was a prized species for First Nations because their hide is excellent for blankets. Currently they are protected from hunting but are a popular commodity for trappers.

General issues across the Sub Region will be addressed below, followed by management plans specific to individual populations.

Issues:

• Unknown population size of marmots in the Sub Region

Goals:

• Initiate studies to determine the extent of marmot populations in the Sub Region
• Determine necessary conservation measures to maintain healthy population sizes of marmots