Endangered Vancouver Island marmot missing near Campbell River

Islanders are being asked to keep a keen eye out this week after reports that an endangered Vancouver Island Marmot has gone missing. The pint sized creature was spotted far from its normal territory near Campbell River.

Residents in the Shelter Point area of Campbell River, B.C., are being urged to report any sightings of an endangered Vancouver Island marmot after a wild-born, untagged individual was last seen near the Old Island Highway.

In a social media post, the Marmot Recovery Foundation said the marmot was first reported by observers several days ago. It was later found by conservation teams, but attempts to safely capture it for assessment were unsuccessful. When crews returned to the area, the animal could not be found.

The marmot is believed to be a two-year-old that has left its natal colony and likely moved out of its alpine habitat into lowland terrain not suitable for long-term survival.

The foundation says its priority is to re-establish the animal’s location so it can be safely recovered and transported for veterinary assessment before being returned to an appropriate habitat.

Members of the public are being asked not to approach the animal, but to immediately report any sightings with precise location and time details.

Sightings can be submitted through the Marmot Recovery Observer Program.