Victoria’s marmot mascot attacked

VICTORIA, B.C. –Vancouver Island marmots are an endangered and protected species, but the mascot for the Western Hockey League Victoria Royals discovered that the oversized squirrel’s immunity from violence does not extend to team mascots.

Marty the Marmot is recovering after his antics earned him a body slam on the ice during a Royals home game on Saturday.

Marty was leading the second-period intermission entertainment as selected fans were invited onto the ice for a game of musical chairs, but the competition turned nasty when Marty playfully interfered with a contestant.

The man was eliminated after failing to grab a chair and he responded by turning on the mascot, lifting the faux rodent and hurling him onto the ice. Marty lay unmoving for several seconds before a staff member came to his aid. A chorus of boos chased the man off the ice.

The investigation into the attack is continuing.

Victoria police say they are waiting to speak to the man who wears the Marty costume, and depending on his statement, they could decide to lay charges against the mascot’s unnamed assailant.