Richardson's Ground squirrel AKA gopher -photo credit to U-of-L

By Canadian Press

Strychnine ban

Health Canada to ban strychnine to kill Richardson’s ground squirrels

Mar 6, 2020 | 7:06 AM

Health Canada is moving forward with a ban on the use of the deadly pesticide strychnine to kill gophers.

The Health Canada website says an evaluation of scientific information confirms there are risks to other animals, including species at risk, for products registered to control Richardson’s ground squirrels.

In 2018, Health Canada cited concerns about animals including the swift fox and the burrowing owl in its proposal.

Gophers, which burrow underground, can damage crops and their burrows can injure livestock.

Health Canada says it made the decision after reviewing comments from agriculture groups, governments, environmental groups and members of the general public.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan expressed concerns about a ban and groups including the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities opposed it.