04/20/2026
🚨Please Read 🚨
The federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency approved the emergency use of liquid strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrel (gopher) control from March 30, 2026 to November 1, 2027.
What is Strychnine?
Strychnine is a highly toxic chemical compound often used for pest control. It is tightly regulated because of how dangerous it is to humans and animals. It is a potent neurotoxin that causes uncontrolled nerve firing, severe muscle contractions and intense, painful seizures. Severe symptoms from strychnine poisoning may appear within minutes to hours following exposure.
Exposure can happen when pets:
• Eat poisoned bait directly
• Consume a poisoned rodent (secondary poisoning)
• Investigate contaminated soil or carcasses
Signs of strychnine poisoning in pets
• Severe muscle stiffness and spasms
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch (triggers seizures)
• Rigid limbs, difficulty walking
• Tremors progressing to violent convulsions
• Trouble breathing due to muscle contractions
🚨IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR PET HAS BEEN EXPOSED, THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY
• Do NOT wait for symptoms to worsen
• Keep your pet calm and quiet (stimuli can worsen seizures)
• Seek immediate veterinary care
Boreal Veterinary Centre: 780-306-4400
Guardian Veterinary Centre: 780-436-5880
Pulse Veterinary Centre: 780-570-9999
Prevention tips:
• Keep pets leashed in rural and treated areas
• Do not allow pets to roam or scavenge
• Avoid areas where baiting may be occurring
More information can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/richardsons-ground-squirrel-control
Edit: Official Government channels to address questions or concerns are listed in the comments.