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Richardson's ground squirrel
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==Relationship with humans== [[Image:Flickertail1.JPG|thumb|In a suburban environment]] Because they will readily eat crop species, Richardson's ground squirrels are sometimes considered to be agricultural [[pest (animal)|pest]]s, although this is not their legal status in all jurisdictions.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.moosejaw.ca/cityhall/parks/horticulture/gropher.shtml|title = Richardson's Ground Squirrel|publisher = City of [[Moose Jaw]] β Parks and Recreation Department|access-date = March 24, 2010}}</ref> The [[government of Saskatchewan]] declared the animals [[pest (organism)|pest]]s in 2010, allowing local governments to employ gopher control measures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2010 |title=Gophers declared 'pests' in Sask |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/gophers-declared-pests-in-sask-1.868647 |access-date=March 24, 2010 |publisher=[[CBC News]]}}</ref> In areas with few natural predators, overpopulation and increasing density can drive ground squirrels to expand into suburban neighborhoods. ===Control measures=== Farmers and ranchers have developed a variety of ways to exterminate ground squirrels besides trapping, shooting and poisoning. One such process fills the burrows with a mixture of oxygen and propane and then ignites the gas mixture. This kills the ground squirrels with a concussive force that also collapses the tunnel systems.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2432304520080324|title = Gophers notch a win in man-rodent battle|last = Haggett|first = Scott|publisher = [[Reuters]]|date = March 24, 2008|access-date = March 25, 2008}}</ref> Even if effective, ground squirrels from outside of the treated areas will eventually spread back into the area. The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation sponsored a 12-week "gopher derby" in 2002, in an effort to reduce what it considered an overpopulation of the squirrels. Cash prizes were awarded for the most number of animals killed, with the animals' tails being presented as proof of the kill. The Canadian Humane Society called the contest cruel and barbaric.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/humane-society-slams-gopher-killing-derby-1.334084|title = Humane society slams gopher-killing derby|publisher = [[CBC News]]|date = June 22, 2002|access-date = March 24, 2010}}</ref> Despite the criticism, the derby was repeated in 2003. By 2004, the ground squirrel population had dropped and the contest was cancelled. The [[Gopher Hole Museum]] in [[Torrington, Alberta]], Canada, has a large selection of stuffed ground squirrels of many varieties and colors. ===Pet trade=== The Richardson's ground squirrel in recent years has become popular in the exotic pet trade.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://research.uleth.ca/rgs/pets.cfm|title = Richardson's Ground Squirrels as Pets|publisher = [[Gail R. Michener]]|access-date = September 27, 2011|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111009053003/http://research.uleth.ca/rgs/pets.cfm|archive-date = October 9, 2011}}</ref>
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