Field crew have had their work cut out for them this season, particularly when it comes to counting pups. Those energetic young marmots rarely sit still, hang out in groups, and are experts at hiding behind rocks or ducking under vegetation. This year’s vegetation has grown even taller than usual, so with both pups and people peering through all the fireweed and blueberries, pup-counting must look like one big game of hide-and-seek!

At last count, reproduction was much stronger in Nanaimo Lakes this summer, with litters recorded on at least eight different mountains. At least three females on Mt. Washington bred, too, which means that next year we could translocate some more wild-born yearlings from Mt. Washington into Strathcona Provincial Park. We haven’t completed our pup counts for the season, but when our final numbers are in, we will be sure to share our pup news with you. Everyone loves a good pupdate!

Photo credit: John Deal.