The Yellow-Bellied Marmot: A Surprising Newcomer to North Vancouver and Mount Pleasant

By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 1, 2025

When I first heard reports of yellow-bellied marmots showing up in North Vancouver and Mount Pleasant, I was surprised — and I'm sure many locals were too. These hefty ground squirrels, normally found in the dry interior regions of British Columbia like Kamloops and the Okanagan, aren’t native to our urban landscapes. Yet here they are, making themselves at home right in the heart of the city.

Yellow-bellied marmots are impressive animals. Adults typically weigh between 3.5 and 11 pounds and can measure up to two feet long when fully stretched out. They are stocky, with thick fur that's yellowish-brown on the belly and darker on the back, making them quite noticeable compared to the smaller squirrels and rodents we usually see around Vancouver.

How They Got Here

Experts believe these marmots likely hitched rides into the city — possibly tucked away in vehicles or construction materials brought in from the interior. They're naturally curious and resilient, which explains why they’re able to adapt quickly to new environments, even busy urban ones.

Potential Impacts on Neighbourhoods

As charming as these new visitors might seem, their presence could have ripple effects on local neighbourhoods. Marmots are prolific diggers, and their burrowing habits could create problems in parks, gardens, and green spaces. They dig extensive burrow systems, which can weaken soil structures around sidewalks, roadsides, and even building foundations if left unchecked.

In Mount Pleasant, an area known for its community gardens and small parks, marmots could unintentionally cause damage to the roots of ornamental and edible plants. In North Vancouver, where greenspaces butt up against residential zones and natural forest edges, their burrowing could lead to localized erosion or conflicts with landscaping efforts.

Effect on Local Wildlife

Their arrival also raises questions about how they might impact native wildlife. Yellow-bellied marmots compete for food sources like grasses, flowers, and seeds — the same resources relied upon by other local species such as rabbits, voles, and ground-feeding birds. If marmots become more common, they could upset the delicate balance of local ecosystems, especially in smaller, more isolated urban green spaces.

Moreover, marmots are prey for larger predators like coyotes and birds of prey. An influx of marmots could unintentionally alter predator behaviors, drawing more coyotes into denser urban areas, creating new safety challenges for pets and people.

What We Can Expect Going Forward

Right now, sightings seem isolated, but if these marmots find our climate and urban food sources hospitable, we might see populations begin to establish. That could mean more marmots spreading into neighbouring communities like Fairview, East Vancouver, and even parts of Burnaby. Managing their presence will require a thoughtful approach — balancing the need to protect local ecosystems while respecting the lives of these unexpected newcomers.

If you see a marmot, it’s best to admire it from a distance. The BC SPCA reminds us not to feed or interfere with urban wildlife. If you encounter a marmot in a hazardous spot or suspect it’s injured, contact a wildlife rescue organization for assistance.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of yellow-bellied marmots in North Vancouver and Mount Pleasant is a fascinating example of how wildlife can move and adapt to new environments. It’s a reminder that cities, despite all their concrete and bustle, are still very much part of the natural world. Whether these marmots stay or move on, how we respond will shape the health and balance of our urban ecosystems in the years to come.

Where were they when you spotted these critters?

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

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