When he is not hibernating or sunbathing on rocks and logs, he enjoys getting out to meet other types of marmots and animals. In fact, this is how he became friends with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic mascots.

Mukmuk gets his name from the word ‘muckamuck,’ Chinook jargon for ‘food,’ because he loves to eat! (Interestingly, Chinook jargon was a First Nations trading language.) He’s passionate about the many different types of food found in British Columbia, and is particularly fond of berries and mountain flowers.

The Vancouver Island marmot is an extremely rare and endangered species unique to the mountains of Vancouver Island. Learn about Vancouver Island marmots and other endangered species at www.marmots.org.

“Actually I think Mukmuk is the first ever mascot sidekick!”

“We often enjoy trips over to Vancouver Island, and it was on a ferry to the island that we first learned about the Vancouver Island marmots. Michael & I fell in love with these adorable creatures. We thought Mukmuk, a Vancouver Island marmot, would be to great sidekick to cheer on the Olympic and Paralympic mascots. Mukmuk is hardworking, hardy and always there to support his friends.”

“It's great to see the amount of interest and passion that has been generated by the public and the media to giving Mukmuk a greater presence.”