EVALUATING AND IMPLEMENTING PRACTICES TO CONTROL THE PIUTE GROUND SQUIRREL EPIDEMIC IN SOUTHERN UTAH
Extension Education
Mark Nelson
Extension Professor
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
BEAVER
Abstract
The Piute Ground Squirrel, (Urocitellus mollis), populations on agricultural lands are increasing in southwest Utah. It is a small gray squirrel found mostly in the Great Basin. It eats alfalfa, grasses and other agronomic crops. The reduction in alfalfa and other crop yields and the cost of controlling Piute ground squirrels to farmers in western Utah exceeds hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Squirrels have increased in infested areas and are showing up in places not previously found. Previous control programs such as shooting, flooding, treating with zinc phosphide and gopher bait have not been effective. Utah State University Extension has conducted trials to determine which baits are most accepted and when is the best time to apply the bait. This information has been taught to the farmers in workshops held in January of each year. The research has shown that Piute ground squirrels are not attracted to whole grain baits. They prefer a small pelleted bait. Because of the research conducted the State of Utah has issued a Section 24(c) Special Local Need Label for the Rozol Vole Bait (0.05%Diphacinone) for the control of the Piute ground squirrel. This label allows for bait station baiting and spot baiting. The research has shown up to 75% control when applied before the alfalfa greens up in the spring. This education program has helped many farmers save money by reducing the number of squirrels that are eating their crops. In this project we have strived to educate all the farmers in the area on the importance of controlling the ground squirrel and have given them a program to help them accomplish this. Evaluation of each of the workshops have shown that 95% of the attendees indicated that they learned how to better control the ground squirrels. A YouTube video that we produced on ground squirrel control methods has had 27,047 views. In 2019 and 2020 the number of grounds squirrels found feeding in the crop ground was reduced by over 25%.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: M. Nelson, N. Frey
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Nelson, M. Extension Professor, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY, Utah, 84713
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Frey, N. Wildlife Resource Specialist, Utah State University, Utah, 84720