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March 25, 2026 - Early to Emerge, Early to Control

Richardson Ground Squirrels emerge earlier than you think, how best to achieve control.

Richardson Ground Squirrels (RGS), commonly referred to as Gophers, but not to get confused with the Pocket Gopher, are one of the first mammals in Alberta to emerge from their winter hibernation. Prior to bears, prior to bats, and prior to chipmunks, RGS are surfacing from their burrows as early as March. 

Most producers probably haven’t been thinking much about these prolific nuisance pests; at least, not until they are seen darting from burrow to burrow and their high-pitched chirps and whistles are heard. Contrary to our common instincts, now is a great time to be thinking about RGS and how to best manage their populations. We do not want to be surprised or unprepared. 

As with most pest concerns, potential issues tend to go unnoticed until population growth begins to become a serious problem. With RGS, we know they emerge early and we know they can negatively impact our crop, range and pasture production. They also pose a risk to equipment and livestock. 

Timing of control measures is critical, and it is advisable to begin baiting and poisoning RGS prior to the presence of green grass. Once their primary food source has sprung, the bait and poisons are no longer a desired option and secondary control measures will result in extensive labour and expense. Readily available pesticides such as Rodent Oat Bait and Rozol RTU can be purchased at the Clearwater County Agriculture & Community Services Office. 

If baiting begins post reproduction, efficacy is lost. Male RGS are the first to emerge from their burrows while the females and young stay underground for an extended period of time. The males will transfer and store food deep into their burrows to be distributed to the young and females. This is another reason to implement early baiting practices.  

Utilizing poison and bait has the potential of killing non-target species and extreme caution is advised. It is always best practice to notify close neighbours, or any potential land users, that poisoned bait is present and being utilized to control your RGS population. Containing your livestock dogs and any pets who share the pastures where the bait is located is a great idea too. 

Becoming familiar with and implementing a long-term Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system will exponentially increase your success. 

Cultivation may be needed to disrupt heavy breeding populations along with kill traps or shooting. Chemical control should be used judiciously in order to minimize harm to non-target species and to maintain healthy populations of birds of prey and terrestrial predators. A pair of hawks, for example, can consume an impressive number of ground squirrels, especially while feeding their young.

Interested producers may consider establishing nesting and/or roosting stands near areas of high RGS concentrations to assist flying predators with control. Examples of various platforms have been erected on the county north quarter as part of an ongoing study and are available for viewing.

Spring monitoring helps to identify where RGS concentrations exist so that further expansion can be stopped. Vegetation height has proven to be a factor in colonization. Where vegetation is over 30 cm there is virtually no activity. Where vegetation is less than 15 cm, special attention should be paid to stocking rates to maintain heavy grass cover and seeding of improved grass mixtures should be considered.

The relationship of drier weather to ground squirrel outbreaks has been well documented in past drought periods, most evident in the 1910-1920, 1930-1939 and 1980-1989 droughts. Although Clearwater County has seen more precipitation than most, we are still seeing drought like conditions. 

While they can be an absolute headache to producers, RGS are integral members of the prairie ecosystem. Their burrows create protected habitat for other prairie species such as burrowing owls, salamanders, and bumblebees. They are a food source for hawks and other large birds of prey, badgers, and many other carnivores. If RGS were exterminated, other species native to the prairie habitat would be affected.

For further information on various recommended IPM strategies or about the habits of the Richardson’s Ground Squirrel please visit our website, give us a call at 403-845-4444 or come see us at the Agriculture and Community Services building.