Vancouver Island Marmot to be featured on U.S. postal stamp
It's a crossover that may come as a surprise. The Vancouver Island Marmot is among the lineup of new stamps being printed by the U.S. Postal Service in 2023.
As its namesake suggests, the Vancouver Island Marmot is only found on Vancouver Island, B.C.
The population of the critically endangered rodent dropped to fewer than 30 in the early 2000s, but has since rebounded to more than 250, according to the Marmot Recovery Foundation, which breeds and releases the critically endangered rodents every year.
In late October, the USPS announced a few of its upcoming stamps for 2023, and the Vancouver Island Marmot was among them.
The marmots are part of the U.S. Postal Services' "Endangered Species" series, which includes 20 animals that are on the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
The U.S. Endangered Species Act will mark its 50th anniversary in 2023, and there are now more than 1,300 types of animals and plants included on the list.
While the Vancouver Island Marmot isn't found in the U.S., the USPS notes that the 20 animals in their new stamp series live within the country or "near U.S. borders."
The Marmot Recovery Foundation says that by having the Vancouver Island Marmot included in the U.S. Endangered Species Act, it makes it illegal to trade in the species in that country, whether that be live marmots or their body parts.
The USPS "Endangered Species" series of stamps for 2023 are shown. (United States Postal Service)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.