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“Richardson’s ground squirrels are a native species to Alberta and an important part of the prairie ecosystem but pose a persistent challenge for landowners and farmers across many regions,” says Garrett Girletz, assistant rat and pest specialist with the Alberta government. Known for their burrowing habits, these rodents can cause significant damage to soil, crops and overall agricultural operations. Proactive management is essential to keeping their numbers under control and preventing long-term disruption to landscapes.”
A springtime window of opportunity
Richardson’s ground squirrels typically emerge from hibernation in early spring, with their first appearances occurring in late February, depending on the local climate. Males are the first to surface, with females emerging about 2 weeks later. During this period, they are often sluggish, taking time to feed and regain strength after months of dormancy. It also marks the beginning of their mating season, making this time crucial for controlling their population.
“The period between March and April is the most effective time to implement population control strategies. Targeting adults during this period can significantly reduce the population by preventing reproduction of offspring,” adds Girletz.
Figure 1. Richardson’s ground squirrels activity in yellow above ground. Red box indicates optimum time for chemical and physical control.
Effective control methods
“Several methods can help landowners reduce the impact of Richardson’s ground squirrels, including trapping, shooting, encouraging natural predators and use of rodenticides,” explains Girletz. “Each method offers its own set of advantages depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the property.”
Trapping: Traps should be placed near burrow entrances, where they are most active. This method requires consistent monitoring to ensure captured Richardson’s ground squirrels are dealt with promptly and humanely. While time-consuming, trapping is a direct way to reduce squirrel numbers and can be effective for smaller areas.
Shooting: In areas where it is legal and safe, shooting can be a highly effective way to reduce the population of Richardson’s ground squirrels. This method is particularly useful in larger rural properties. It is crucial to follow local regulations and ensure safety when using firearms for this purpose.
Encouraging natural predators: Richardson’s ground squirrels have natural predators, such as hawks and owls, that can help keep the population in check. By creating environments that attract these predators, landowners can foster a more balanced ecosystem.
Rodenticides: Several rodenticides are available for controlling Richardson’s ground squirrels, but proper application is crucial to prevent poisoning of non-target species. The most effective time to apply these rodenticides is just before the first green blade of grass appears, as this is when they become more attracted to new vegetation. Careful use of rodenticides including following the label directions helps ensure that the Richardson’s ground squirrels are targeted effectively, while minimizing the risk to other wildlife in the area.
“Early intervention is crucial in managing Richardson’s ground squirrels. Timely action ensures that the population is managed before it grows too large, making control more effective and reducing the need for more drastic measures in the future,” says Girletz.
Contact
Connect with Karen Wickerson for more information:
Phone: 403-701-9668
Email: karen.wickerson@gov.ab.ca
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