The Rover-Landers of BC

[ANDYD]

Hi All,

On the Pemberton trip a couple of weeks ago we came accross this friendly critter and there has been some debate since then over what it is...
Everything has been suggesteed from Mountain Beaver to Wolverine to Ground Hog!
Just thought I would throw it out there for some postitive ID. He was approx 3ft in length.

http://roverlanders.bc.ca/gallery/view_photo.php?full=1&set_albumName=album288&id=Pemberton_July_2010_096
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"I dRov'er mad"

[67nada]

Could it be a Marmot?



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmot
http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/wilderness/animals/marmot.htm
http://www.marmots.org/recovery_partner.htm
http://www.bceh.com/wildlife/marmot.htm

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[rayhyland]

I think it was a rare Wolverine-Koala cross. You were lucky to get a picture.

It is a little known fact that 10 years ago some Koala Bears were the guests of the Stanley Park Zoo, and they escaped, making their way by night, northwards until they settled in the hills above Pemberton. They became friends with the local Wolverines who apparently were enamored by their accents, and the rest as they say, is history.

Ray

[ANDYD]

Hi Ray, G'day mate!
...and I thought the only Australian invasion was in Whistler village!

Yes, it is looking like this is a Hoary Marmot, funny enough it was these animals that gave "Whistler mountain" its name!

Hoary marmots live near the tree line on slopes. This gives them grasses and forbs to eat and rocky areas for cover. It is the largest North American ground squirrel and is often nicknamed "the whistler" for its high-pitched warning issued for danger. The animals are sometimes called "whistle pigs." Whistler, British Columbia is named for these animals.

Read more at http://www.redorbit.com/education/reference_library/mammalia/hoary_marmot/1641/index.html
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"I dRov'er mad"

[PaulC]

I believe its a Pika these little guys like higher elevations & I bet you snapped this pic up Blowdown.....where I have seen & heard many of these little rock dwellers.
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PaulC
98LSE

[ANDYD]

Hi Paul,

Nice try, I looked up the Pika, it said about rabbit size. This guy was 3ft long. Amazing how many little critters we have here in BC.
I'm still convinced its a Hoary Marmot.....

Still, Ive been wrong before.....just once or twice!!

Cheers,
Andy
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"I dRov'er mad"

[PaulC]

Ahh did have a size reference....yup no doubt a Marmont of some type....never seen a black one though.
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PaulC
98LSE