Encouraging signs as Vancouver Island marmots emerge from hibernation

Encouraging signs as Vancouver Island marmots emerge from hibernation
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Photo/Facebook/VI Marmot Recovery Foundation

Encouraging news on Monday from the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation.

The groups reports that over-winter survival rates have been high, especially among breeding age females.

“While it is still early in the year for marmots, our survey results so far have been positive,” writes Adam Taylor of the Foundation.

The cold and wet spring, following a cold winter, doesn’t seem to have had any negative impact on the marmot population. 

“Later in the summer when pups start to emerge, we will be looking for signs of reproduction – that is to say active pups,” writes Taylor. 

“We have feeders out at a number of colonies, which we believe may help the marmots reproduce more frequently.  Our fingers are crossed that lots of those breeding-aged females have litters.”

Three weeks ago, the Foundation reported that marmots were emerging from 7 months of hibernation.

There are believed to be fewer than 200 of the endangered species living in the wild on Vancouver Island. 

Ben O'HaraBen O'Hara

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