Safeguarding Pasture from Ground Squirrels

Emergency approval gives producers another option as pressure builds across the Prairies

(Editor’s note: Alberta Agriculture and innovation issued an update on June 29 that strychnine is now available in Alberta through approved counties for the management of Richardson’s ground squirrels. Click to view: UPDATE.)

Across much of Alberta, the signs are familiar this time of year—fresh mounds, clipped forage, and the telltale movement of Richardson’s ground squirrels across pastures and field edges.

For many producers, those signs also represent a growing problem.

But thanks to advocacy from provinces and industry, including sustained efforts by ABP and the Government of Alberta, an important control tool has been secured to help producers avoid damage.

The Government of Canada has approved a time-limited emergency registration of strychnine for use in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The decision restores access to a control option that many producers say has been difficult to replace.

The approval, announced March 30, allows for the controlled use of strychnine through to November 2027, with additional safeguards and stewardship requirements in place. 

A Response to Mounting Pressure

Ground squirrel populations have increased in many areas in recent years, contributing to significant crop and pasture damage. Producers have also reported impacts ranging from reduced forage yields to livestock injuries and equipment damage.

Without access to strychnine following its discontinuation in 2024, many operations were left relying on alternative control methods that can be less effective, more labour-intensive, or limited in scale.

The renewed emergency authorization is intended to provide another option as part of an integrated approach to managing the issue.

Industry Advocacy Plays a Role

Producer organizations across the Prairies have been actively engaged on the file, emphasizing both the economic impact of ground squirrel infestations and the need for practical, effective tools.

ABP was among those involved in discussions with government, providing input through meetings, formal submissions, and participation in a provincial working group.

Balancing Effectiveness and Responsibility

The emergency approval includes updated safeguards aimed at reducing risks to non-target wildlife—one of the key concerns that led to the product’s earlier discontinuation.

Both federal and provincial governments have indicated that the authorization is designed to balance the need for effective pest control with environmental considerations.

ABP has been actively engaged on this issue through meetings with government, formal submissions, and participation in a provincial working group focused on identifying practical solutions for producers.

Last July, ABP sent a letter to federal officials outlining producer concerns and the need for continued access to effective ground squirrel control tools. In September, ABP provided additional input through formal submissions to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), reinforcing the importance of practical, science-based solutions for producers.

ABP will continue to monitor implementation details and work with government and industry partners to ensure producers have access to effective, responsible tools for managing ground squirrel populations. 

This was first published in Volume 6 Issue 2 of ABP Magazine (June 2026). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.