Strychnine, a commonly used pesticide for controlling gophers in Alberta, faced restrictions from Health Canada starting in 2020 when its use on Richardson’s ground squirrels was phased out. By 2024, the pesticide was completely banned. The Government of Alberta is now urging Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to reverse this decision.
An open letter signed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson, and Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration Joseph Schow highlighted the urgent need for strychnine to be reinstated for controlling Richardson’s ground squirrel populations. These ground squirrels, colloquially known as gophers, are causing significant damage to various crops, leading to an estimated annual risk exceeding $800 million in hay and native pasture.
Following the ban, farmers are grappling with the absence of effective alternatives for gopher control. While shooting and legal rodenticides are available options, farmers like Ian Webber have found these alternatives less effective than strychnine. The ban has forced farmers to adapt their strategies to mitigate gopher-related losses, impacting crop production and financial stability.
Despite calls for strychnine’s reinstatement, Health Canada stands by its decision citing environmental risks posed by the pesticide to non-target organisms, including endangered species like burrowing owls and swift foxes. The ban on strychnine for gopher control aligns with global trends, as the European Union banned the substance in 2006.
Farmers like Ben Campbell have explored natural inhibitors and predator-based control methods to manage gophers, but the efficacy varies. Campbell, who previously used strychnine, now opts for safer alternatives like zinc phosphide to avoid unintended harm to wildlife and pets. The transition away from strychnine has prompted farmers to seek sustainable solutions for gopher control, balancing agricultural needs with environmental protection.
The debate surrounding the use of strychnine for gopher control underscores the complex interplay between pest management, environmental conservation, and agricultural sustainability. As stakeholders navigate these challenges, finding a balanced approach that ensures effective pest control while safeguarding biodiversity remains paramount.
