nature, Photography

Marmotville

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I’ve posted occasionally about the marmot community that lives among the breakwater boulders next to the lake; here’s an update.

Over the last couple of years their colony has grown significantly; it would be an understatement to say that they are doing well!

They have expanded from a relatively small group in a confined portion of the breakwater into the rest of the boulders lining the water’s edge; about 400 metres (1000 ft) or so.

They are eating very well as lots of people are bringing them oodles of vegetables and dandelions – their favourite – too. And they are also becoming a bit of a tourist attraction, as well. People love to stop to take photos.

But I would also say that they’re getting too accustomed to being fed. A few days ago, and for the first time ever, I had a marmot leave the safety of his boulder home to approach me on the footpath for food.

Standing on his back legs, he stared beseechingly at me!

I have been known to feed the ducks during the winter, but I don’t believe in feeding wild animals during the summer. The marmots hibernate and emerge fully when there’s lots available to eat, so I don’t feel that they need any help.

Marmots are incredibly endearing little animals and it’s tempting to feed them, but I’ve seen people allowing them to sit on their laps and to scamper all over their shoulders and backs which for the most part isn’t an issue unless something goes wrong.

Marmots are wild animals and can carry ticks, rabies, and fleas. I would hate to see this colony removed because someone has been bitten, and all because an adult has thrown caution to the winds. It’s unfortunately always the animals who pay the price because humans don’t know how to behave.

Whenever I see people sitting among them, I mention that marmots carry ticks, fleas and rabies, and they usually move away, but maybe it’s time to post a sign reminding people of this and also that in the summer, marmots are perfectly capable of feeding themselves. It’s in their best interests and really, in ours, too.

71 thoughts on “Marmotville”

  2. You are right it is the animals who pay the price when humans don’t know how to behave. Marmots are very cute animals. Is it correct to say that they are sometimes called whistle pigs?

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    1. Hahaha. 😊 I haven’t heard that in a long time. Yes, they are sometimes called whistle pigs but that name is dying off. They aren’t at all related to pigs but they do a high-pitched whistle as a danger warning to the others in the colony. This group has stopped doing that though which is another of the behavioural changes that I’ve seen in them this year.

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        1. It could be that they just aren’t seeing humans as a danger or that their sentry (they take turns doing that job) is too busy eating. I’m happy to report that I found out this morning that the city is placing a warning sign, however. I hope that helps to get them back on track.

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  4. I fear their population explosion is because they are so well fed by humans and that eventually this will have disastrous results. There is a reason why many jurisdictions have “Please Don’t Fee the Wildlife” rules. When I Googled, it was interesting to learn that some believe marmots to be responsible for causing the Black Death plague. Have a good week Lynette. Allan

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    1. Thank you very much, Allan. That’s what I think, too. Lots to eat is producing a population explosion and they are at the same time losing their ability to forage for themselves. The ones born this year are probably very reliant on people for food and haven’t learned much about surviving on their own. Rats are the much more common carriers of plague infected fleas but yes, marmots can carry those fleas, too. I am approaching the city within the next few days to see about a sign. Cheers.

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      1. I know about the rats being carriers, but was surprised to see some blame laid at the marmots 4 feet. In truth, any rodent can carry anything due to their habits. Good on you for talking to the city. Cheers. Allan

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        1. Thanks, Allan. I actually did a visit this morning and was happy to learn that a warning sign is about to be placed. Apparently lots of people stopped by to express concern and that is producing a sign! Cheers.

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    1. I couldn’t agree more. Knowing that these little cuties carry fleas, ticks and possibly rabies, too, I find it a bit chilling to see people letting them scamper all over their laps and shoulders. People definitely do get carried away, in more ways than one!

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    1. They are definitely waaay up there on the cuteness metre, but feeding them isn’t great. They become dependent and lose their ability to forage for themselves as well as their fear of humans. I’m going bring up the idea of a “do not feed” sign with the city. Cheers.

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    1. Yes, it’s very tempting to feed them but I agree completely, they become dependent and quickly lose their ability to forage. This is the first season that I’ve seen them act in such a familiar way, though. Even a couple of months ago they would run off if people came too close.

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        1. I think it’s that more recently, they are being fed by lots of people, and it’s mostly what they really love such as veggies and dandelions. Food has a very powerful impact on brain and behavioural function.

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  9. Lovely photos, Lynette! It seems the city needs to post the facts about these critters and health risks to humans. And, don’t feed them!

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    1. I just checked into that this morning and it seems that the city has issued a work order for a “do not feed/keep your distance” sign up be placed. Lots of people have stopped by to express concern, apparently.

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  11. I agree that a sign would be a good idea. Maybe you can have a word with your local council or whoever is in charge. I once had a squirrel run up my leg in Kew Gardens, again obviously used to humans feeding him. I got quite a fright.

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    1. I actually went to the council office this morning and learned that there’s already a work order for a “do not feed/keep your distance” sign that will soon be placed. Apparently quite a few people were stopping by with the same concerns. A squirrel running up your leg? I bet you did get a fright! Yikes. Yes, clearly used to humans and probably quite dependent, too.

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    1. I hate it when that happens. Ugh. I went to city hall this morning and was told that there’s already a work order for a warning sign to be placed. Apparently a lot of people have stopped by to express concern, so I’m happy to hear that. Humans sometimes don’t know how to recognise the need for boundaries.

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    1. I couldn’t agree more, Tricia. I’m happy to report though that after checking with the city this morning, a sign is about to be placed warning people not to feed them and to keep their distance. That’s much better for them and us. Cheers.

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    1. People can be such idiots, unfortunately. These are wild animals and they behave that way; they aren’t pets. I’m happy to report though that I found out from the city this morning that a warning sign will soon be placed! Good news for them (and us). Cheers.

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    1. Thank you very much, Belinda. They are very endearing and it’s so lovely to watch their interactions as they’re very sweet with each other, too. But yes, they are wild animals and could easily bite someone. Agreed – common sense can be surprisingly in short supply sometimes! Ugh. I’m happy to report that I found out this morning from the city that a warning sign will soon be placed; that’s going to be a good thing! Cheers.

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  18. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt and responsible update. It’s amazing to hear how the marmot colony has flourished—and also a little concerning to learn how their interactions with humans are changing. You’ve captured that delicate balance between admiration and necessary boundaries so well.

    It’s easy to forget that even the most adorable wild creatures still are wild. Your gentle reminder about the risks—both to humans and to the animals—is so important. A sign sounds like a wise idea, not to discourage appreciation but to encourage respectful co-existence.

    Here’s hoping the marmots continue to thrive safely, and that more people learn to love them without crossing the line into dependency or danger. Thank you for being their quiet guardian and voice of reason. 💚🐾

    Warm wishes,
    Diya | Twin Chaos & Toddler Giggles
    twinmom73.wordpress.com | @twintales2025 🌿

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    1. Thank you very much for your lovely and supportive comments, Diya. I did a visit to city hall this morning and was pleased to learn that a warning sign is about to be placed. Apparently the city was getting many reports of concern from citizens over this situation, I’m happy to report.

      Even with a sign in place I’m sure that some people will continue to feed them but it will be much less so than what I’m seeing now. This will help to keep the marmots healthy and behaving as marmots should. You’re very correct that we should be admiring them from a distance with interference kept to a minimum. They are such endearing little animals who are very sweet with each other, too, and they deserve to just be themselves. Thanks again for taking the time to add your voice. Much appreciated.

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    1. I went to the city yesterday and found out that they are erecting a sign warning people not to feed the marmots. Apparently there has been a lot of concern expressed about how familiar they are becoming with humans. It’s much safer for them to not interact so much and I hope that helps them to stay healthy and safe.

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  23. Oh dear, we’re turning them into beggars. For good reasons, the BC SPCA tells us NOT to feed the wildlife, and I remember (but can’t quote by memory) seeing posters on Granville Island telling us that feeing them amounts to animal cruelty. For myriad reasons.

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    1. I agree, Penny. The people doing this are really just serving their own needs and don’t have the animals’ best interests at heart, so yes, this is a type of cruelty, really. I spoke with the city yesterday and a sign will soon be going up warning people keep their distance and not to feed them. Apparently lots of concern has been expressed and as a result some action is going to be taken. Cheers.

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  26. Pingback: A Marmot Update | In the Net! – Pictures and Stories of Life

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