Farmers are facing a challenge with gophers, also known as Richardson’s ground squirrels, as they cause significant damage to crops and machinery. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency banned the use of strychnine in 2024 to control their population due to risks to wildlife and inhumane practices. In response, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation initiated a free gopher control program to assist farmers in managing this issue.
The program, led by executive director Todd Smith, connects farmers with volunteers who can help mitigate the gopher problem in a responsible manner. While the program is beneficial, some, like James Husband, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Hazelwood, believe it may not fully address the issue as gophers reproduce rapidly.
Edmond Sanganyado, an associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan, suggests shooting gophers as a more humane alternative to poison. He highlights that swift shooting by professionals can lead to quick and humane deaths, contrasting with the effects of strychnine, which can cause prolonged suffering. The best time to control gopher populations is when they emerge from hibernation, typically between mid-February and mid-March.
Some farmers have shifted to using zinc phosphide as an alternative to strychnine, although it is less effective, more labor-intensive, and costly. Overall, the gopher control program aims to assist farmers in safeguarding their crops and livelihoods, emphasizing the importance of early intervention before gopher populations escalate.
