Richardson’s ground squirrel control

Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Control

Learn how to control Richardson’s ground squirrels, commonly called gophers, on your land. The Richardson’s ground squirrel is a burrowing rodent found across most of Alberta’s prairie and parkland regions.

Richardson’s ground squirrels play an important role in the province’s ecosystem and are a major food source for a variety of predatory birds, mammals, and reptiles. While their population numbers can fluctuate from year to year, their population is currently considered stable.

Classification and Control

Under the Agricultural Pests Act, Richardson’s ground squirrels are classified as a nuisance species. This means landowners have the right to control them on their property but are not required to implement control measures.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY RICHARDSON’S GROUND SQUIRRELS

Damage caused by Richardson’s ground squirrels can range from a minor inconvenience for some landowners to significant economic losses for others. The most common forms of damage include reduced yield from plant trampling and direct crop loss from feeding.

Author’s summary: Control Richardson’s ground squirrels on your land to prevent damage.

Government of Alberta — 2025-10-16