Do marmots live in the lower mainland Vancouver area?

Yes, there are two species of marmots found in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, British Columbia: the hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) and the Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis).

Hoary Marmot (Marmota caligata)

* Habitat: Lives in rocky alpine regions between 1,500 to 3,000 metres above sea level. Can be found in many areas of the North Shore Mountains and the mountains near Whistler.

* Description: Light/whitish fur with brownish-grey patches. Stockier and larger than the Vancouver Island Marmot.

Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis)

* Habitat: Found only in alpine areas above treeline on Vancouver Island, specifically on Golden Hinde and Mount Arrowsmith within Strathcona Provincial Park. Considered to be an ‘Endangered’ species.

* Description: Dark reddish brown fur with patches of white/yellow fur on the face and tail. Smaller and more slender than the hoary marmot.