Home / Environment / Winnipeg Approves Controversial Ground Squirrel Pesticides
Winnipeg Approves Controversial Ground Squirrel Pesticides
16 Mar
Summary
- City uses rodenticide and asphyxiant foam for squirrel control.
- Animal advocates decry methods as inhumane and ineffective.
- Province approved use in nine Winnipeg parks for athletic fields.
The City of Winnipeg has secured provincial approval to implement a controversial pest control strategy targeting its ground squirrel population. The approved measures include the use of rodenticide Rozol RTU and asphyxiant foam RoCon in nine city parks, particularly those with athletic fields affected by squirrel activity.
This decision has drawn sharp criticism from animal welfare groups, with the Winnipeg Humane Society appealing the approval. They contend that the chemicals, which cause slow hemorrhaging and suffocation, inflict unnecessary suffering on the animals and may harm non-target species. Retired biology professor James Hare echoed these concerns, highlighting potential collateral damage to predators and domestic animals.
The city plans to deploy these treatments in early spring, as ground squirrels emerge from hibernation. Conditions for Rozol application include timing before new litters are born and the installation of warning signs at treated sites. The city will also monitor sites and remove deceased animals to mitigate risks.
