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Prior to 1973 Vancouver Island marmots were "a phantom in the hills" or, as I like to describe them, "Bigfoot with evidence."

The species was described from specimens taken in 1910. Only 68 sightings and 27 specimens were obtained from 1896 to 1972. Sparse data preclude estimation of historical population distribution or trends.

Some questioned whether Vancouver Island marmots should be considered a distinct species. The debate was not resolved until genetic analyses were published in 1971.