| With such a profusion of diverse terrain and ecological | | | | Another famous Whistler wildlife inhabitant is the |
| zones, it is no wonder that many animal species reside | | | | Marmot. Known to live in mountainous areas high up in |
| in Whistler's vast landscape. From bears, beavers and | | | | the alpine, marmots looks a lot like a like giant squirrels. |
| birds to otters, squirrels and pikas; Whistler is home to | | | | Ironically, the marmot is widely referred to as |
| an array of critters and crawlers. Summer is mainly | | | | "Whistler's" because of their characteristic loud warning |
| the season where these animals can be spotted; this | | | | whistling. These critters are extremely social and also |
| article reveals some of the wildlife inhabitants you may | | | | use whistles to communicate with one another. |
| see in Whistler and will give you a little more | | | | Whistler is also an ideal ecological zone for a marmot |
| information about their natural habitat. | | | | diet as they feed primarily on grass, berries, lichens, |
| Black Bears | | | | mosses, roots and flowers. The marmots hibernate in |
| The most famed resident of the Whistler woods is the | | | | the winter, so the best time to spot them is in the |
| Black Bear. Bears are abundant in the region, | | | | spring and summer time! |
| approximately eight black bear families are living in | | | | Pikas |
| Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain alone. Black Bears | | | | Pikas, close relative of rabbits, are small chinchilla-like |
| are omnivores who diet usually consists of plants, | | | | animals that reside primarily in cold climates such as |
| meat and insects. Only 10-15% of their diet consists of | | | | Whistler's. Pikas favour rocky mountain sides as there |
| animal matter, most of their food comes from herbs, | | | | are many small crevices for them to take shelter in. |
| nuts and berries. Whistler's natural ecology allows for | | | | Since these animals are herbivores, Whistler provides |
| an abundance of food for black bears and efforts are | | | | then with a large variety of plant matter to feed on. |
| in progress to increase provisions by sowing bear | | | | Unlike the marmots and black bears, Pikas do no |
| friendly foliage on ski runs. Black bears also prefer to | | | | hibernate; they rely on bits and pieces of collected hay |
| nest in forested and shrubby areas during the summer | | | | for warm bedding and nourishment. The best time to |
| and for hibernation in the winter, the Whistler | | | | spot a Pika is in the fall as they are most active just |
| environment is also thus an ideal area for them to | | | | before the winter season, this may be because they |
| settle. | | | | are collecting to store for the winter. |
| Marmots | | | | |