The first wild marmots of the season have been spotted on Mount Washington.
Researchers at the Marmot Recovery Foundation on Mount Washington caught a first glimpse last week of marmots known as Joey and Mayzie, who “were hanging out together foraging.”
Researchers used telemetry data to track the rare animals moving above ground in April but May 7 was the first time they were able to view them in person.
The Vancouver Island Marmot is Canada’s most endangered mammal, and one of the rarest mammals in the world. In 2003, fewer than 30 animals remained. Since then, recovery efforts have restored the population to more than 427 known animals, and dedicated researchers work year-round at the Mount Washington centre and the Wilder Institute in Calgary, which has a dedicated breeding program.
Photos by Heather Heim and Adam Taylor / Marmot Recovery Foundation
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