Richardson Ground Squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii)

Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (commonly known as ‘gophers’) are found in many areas throughout Alberta.

High populations of ground squirrels can create serious problems in rural areas by competing with livestock for forage, destroying food crops, potentially injuring livestock (if they fall into the holes), damage haying equipment due to soil mounds from their burrows and may prey on the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds.

Rozol bait is a registered anti-coagulant poison. Anti-coagulants are available in several grain bait forms, as well as a liquid concentrate that can be mixed with grain. Anti-coagulants do not pose a significant risk to non-target animals. The most effective time to use Rozol is in late March, after the female ground squirrels have come out of hibernation. To be effective, ground squirrels must consume more than one meal over a two- or three-day period. Rozol can be purchased from most farm supply stores.

Non-Chemical control options such as setting up raptor platforms and nesting boxes to encourage predatory birds to nest in fields infested with Richardson Ground Squirrels. One pair of nesting ferruginous hawks can consume up to 500 RGSs in a season. This tool only requires initial set-up costs. Raptor platforms can be as simple as two large round bales set on end with one on top of the other, or a permanent structure. Having predatory birds that hunt Richardson Ground Squirrels such as Red-tailed Hawks and Barn Owls can help naturally mitigate their population levels.

• Managing Richardson's Ground Squirrels
• Ferruginous Hawk Artificial Nest Platforms Brochure
• Gopher Control with Raptors
• Predatory Bird Nesting Boxes
• American Kestrel-Boreal Owl Nest Box
• Peregrine Falcon Nest Box