Keywords Mammals

Distribution and Habitat Of 13 species, 4 occur in Canada, inhabiting grassy areas and rocky slopes of mountains and lowlands. Yellow-bellied, hoary and Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota flaviventris, M. caligata and M. vancouverensis , respectively) are found only in the Western provinces; the woodchuck (possible corruption of the Cree word wuchak) or groundhog (M. monax), in patchy distribution throughout Canada, excluding Nunavut and Newfoundland. The Vancouver Island marmot, found only in Canada, inhabits a few subalpine sites on VANCOUVER ISLAND.

Habits Marmots eat green PLANTS and can become pests in vegetable gardens. They signal danger by shrill calls. Marmots hibernate in burrows for 4-9 months; on awakening they may be almost half their autumn weight. The whimsical observance of Groundhog Day (February 2) recognizes the marmot's impending emergence from a long winter's rest (much later in colder climates).

Reproduction and Development Females mate after spring emergence and after a short gestation bear 2-9 young.

See also ENDANGERED ANIMALS.

Woodchuck (Groundhog)
The woodchuck or groundhog is found in patchy distribution throughout Canada, excluding Newfoundland (Macmillan Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia).

Vancouver Island Marmot
It is not known why the marmot is disappearing form Vancouver Island (artwork by Heather Caldwell).

Woodchuck & Yellow-bellied Marmot Distribution

Hoary & Vancouver Island Marmot Distribution

Marmot Burrow
Marmots hibernate in burrows for 4-8 months in winter (artwork by Jan Sovak, 1989).

Author J. MARY TAYLOR

Links to Other Sites
Woodchuck


Québec Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, Québec natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.

Vancouver Island Marmot
Discover the natural history of the very rare and endangered Vancouver Island marmot at this nicely illustrated Marmot Recovery Foundation website.

Captive Breeding and Reintroduction
Click on the animal names at the bottom of the page to find out more about the Toronto Zoo's captive breeding and reintroduction programs for rare and endangered species.