Comment: See second post for the true picture of this critter. Recreational shooting was/is the North Dakota farmer's solution. I've been on a ND farm field and witnessed it first hand. There was a large colony of them and they needed thinning out. An accurate .22 caliber rifle using long rifle ammunition was very effective and economical. There are very quiet air rifles that have the same power as that ammunition. This is farm field use only.
Last post from 1975 discusses traps, poisons, and the .22 rifle.
https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/air-force-base-minot-nuclear-invasion-by-squirrels-20391785.php
Nuclear-armed Air Force base is under siege ... by squirrels
"The Air Force said 'subject matters experts' are on the case and preparing to blunt the invasion by Richardson ground squirrels."
By Marc Duvoisin, Editor-in-Chief June 24, 2025
____________________________________________________________
https://www.minot.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/265977/return-of-the-dakrats/
Return of the Dakrats
Published April 7, 2009
By Vicki Johnson
5th Civil Engineer Squadron
Quote:
Do not try to use poisons to control the problem. No poisons are marketed to housing residents that will control ground squirrels. Using poisons labeled for moles or gophers can lead to accidental poisoning and create a hazard for children, pets and birds. Use of these products to control ground squirrels is also a violation of federal law.
_____________________________________________________________
https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/id/rodents/richardsons-ground-squirrel
Richardson’s Ground Squirrel
Quote:
Other Natural or Manmade Factors
Poisoning to control and eradicate colonies is prevalent. Recreational shooting of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels may affect populations. Colonial mammals are susceptible to plague, although no documented cases are known in North Dakota.
Research and Survey Efforts
Current Research or Surveys
- No current research for this species is ongoing.
Previous Research or Surveys
- A distribution study was conducted by the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in 2005.
- The U.S. Forest Service mapped Richardson’s Ground Squirrel colonies on the Sheyenne National Grasslands in 2002.
- Colonies were mapped by the USFS on the Sheyenne Grasslands in 2005-06.
- A reproduction study was conducted by the University of North Dakota in 1975.
