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It is something that is happening across the prairies, and there is little anyone can do to stop it. The gopher (or ground squirrel) population is exploding. Paige Tenbult, the Communications Co-ordinator with the City of Weyburn, acknowledged the issue and noted, “Gophers are a part of our landscape in Saskatchewan, and we’re seeing an increase in their numbers, not just here in Weyburn but across the province.”
Gophers can cause several issues. Their burrowing can damage sidewalks, structures, sports fields and green spaces. With this in mind, the City of Weyburn has a plan for dealing with the gopher population on public property, but reminds residents they are responsible for their property.
For the pest control efforts on city property, Tenbult stated there is a specific method being used currently to control the population.
“The way that the city deals with it is using a feed grain formulation,” she told Discover Weyburn. “It’s called Rozol, and it’s placed in the burrow which the gopher then eats, and after a few days it exterminates the animal.”
There are other options available, such as pesticides, but they are a last resort in extreme circumstances for the city, as they can cause damage.
“The current application that we’re using is to help avoid those damages... and sort of the economic losses associated with this higher gopher population.”
When it comes to dealing with gophers on private property in the city, there are a few recommended, non-lethal actions that residents can take. Tenbult noted that the easiest one is to remove food sources. Additionally, residents can use barriers, repellents, and traps. She noted that poisoning controls are a last resort that can have a large effect on the ecosystem, and they should always be used with caution. Residents also need to follow one more critical rule.
“Please, don’t shoot the gophers,” Tenbult said. “That is not allowed within the city limits.”
When it comes to living on the prairies, gophers or ground squirrels are a way of life. Tenbult emphasized that they are a part of the prairie landscape, and that sharing the space with the wildlife means taking steps to manage things responsibly.
“At the end of the day, they are a part of our landscape, and we need to learn how to manage and control them, but understand that complete removal is not possible,” she emphasized, noting that if gophers weren’t part of living in Saskatchewan, then Gainer the Gopher wouldn’t be the mascot of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
For those who are struggling with gophers, Tenbult recommended calling the City of Weyburn’s Parks Department. They won’t be able to remove the gophers themselves, but can get a resident well on their way to managing the issue.
“They’re great experts at this, and we are able to support and assist you with any questions you might have.”
Residents can also get more information on dealing with gophers on the City of Weyburn’s pest management page.