REDUCING MARMOT IMPACTS TO THE CEMETERY
JULY 23, 2025
Yellow-bellied marmots continue to cause considerable damage to grave sites, landscaping, and retaining structures in the City of Merritt Cemetery. Controlling populations in the area is difficult, as marmots are attracted to the flat, open terrain, which provides clear sightlines for safety and surveillance.
Over the years, the City has tested several deterrent strategies. Most recently, the City employed decoy predators and coyote urine, which has proven ineffectual. In previous years, the City employed trapping and relocation combined with deactivating burrows, until those services were no longer locally available. While trapping and relocating is not a permanent solution, it has proven somewhat effectual, but it takes several seasons to achieve population control.
On July 8, 2025, City Council approved a $10,000 budget for hiring qualified professionals to implement targeted trapping and relocation of these yellow-bellied marmots from the cemetery. While yellow-bellied marmots are a protected species, they are designated as ‘Schedule B wildlife’ under the BC Wildlife Act, which means they can be trapped and relocated if they are causing property damage.
While the City will move forward with marmot relocation, the City will continue to investigate other options, monitor effectiveness, and adapt methods as needed. If required, future and more robust solutions could include disrupting sightlines, installing fencing, and active monitoring.
The City is committed to balancing cemetery preservation with responsible and lawful wildlife management. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation in supporting these efforts.
For More Information Contact:
City of Merritt
Phone: 250.378.4224
Email: info@merritt.ca