Kamloops woman finds mutilated marmot at McArthur Island playground

She and her husband checked the surrounding area and discovered other parts of the marmot’s body.

“I heard my husband call for me and I went to look and there was the head, neck and legs of a marmot placed around there, all dripping blood,” said Bradley.

“The head had been placed in one of the baby swings where you would put a toddler or a baby.”

Bradley contacted a nearby park staff member to help with in investigation and clean-up.

“Staff had approached me a few minutes later and said they found the skin and fur, which had been placed around the playground, in the trees and near the slide,” said Bradley.

“It was not right. It was a cruel, evil thing.”

Marmots, which are a protected species under the BC Wildlife Act, are a common sight on McArthur Island.

Field Light Magazine made a public statement about the discovery.

“We are asking everyone in Kamloops to watch for any strange or harmful behaviour on the island. If you see someone hurting wildlife, report it right away. We also ask the City of Kamloops to increase patrols and take these incidents seriously,” said Field Light Magazine.

“MacArthur Island belongs to all of us. The animals that live there deserve safety. Cruelty toward wildlife is a warning sign, and we cannot ignore it. Speaking up now protects the island, the animals, and the community.”

Kamloops RCMP have confirmed officers responded to the incident and the detachment is working with the BC SPCA for a potential follow-up investigation.

Police officials said this has so far been an isolated incident.

by Elora McCormack

Kamloops woman finds mutilated marmot at McArthur Island playground

Our Community