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Alberta’s government has reinstated the emergency use of two per cent liquid strychnine in parts of the province as an additional tool to help producers manage Richardson’s ground squirrel populations while emphasizing strict environmental stewardship and safety measures.

The emergency approval, granted by the federal Pesticides Regulatory Directorate in partnership with Alberta and Saskatchewan, allows producers in 49 municipalities to use the rodenticide until November 1, 2027. The product will not be permitted in urban areas or on acreages.

Provincial officials say the reinstatement is aimed at helping producers protect livestock, pastureland and agricultural livelihoods from damage caused by ground squirrel infestations, while balancing concerns surrounding wildlife, pets and species at risk.

Under the new stewardship program, producers are encouraged to first adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies before turning to strychnine use. Recommended methods include encouraging natural predators such as coyotes, weasels and badgers, maintaining taller pasture vegetation to discourage settlement, and using trapping or hunting where practical.

Government guidelines state that strychnine should only be considered when other management approaches have proven ineffective. Producers using the product will be required to follow strict application procedures designed to reduce risks to non-target wildlife, particularly birds of prey and scavengers.

The province also confirmed that the product is not yet available in Alberta, although an initial shipment is expected by late May or early June in limited quantities, with additional supplies anticipated throughout the summer.

Distribution will be tightly controlled through agricultural fieldmen in approved municipalities. Producers wishing to use the rodenticide must first complete mandatory training, currently offered through the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities until August 1.

Additional requirements for producers include submitting an infestation declaration form, demonstrating existing pest management efforts, providing a treatment plan, monitoring treated areas and properly disposing of carcasses, bait and unused product.

Warning signage must also be posted in treated areas to alert neighbouring landowners and land users.

Officials warned that misuse of two per cent liquid strychnine could lead to enforcement action and fines under provincial and federal legislation, including Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the Wildlife Act, and the federal Pest Control Products Act.

Albertans are also encouraged to report suspected misuse, improper handling or environmental impacts linked to pesticide use through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

More information regarding Richardson’s ground squirrel control and stewardship requirements is available through Alberta’s agricultural resources.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.