Which rodent species are widespread pests in Alberta?

Which rodent species are widespread pests in Alberta?

• A. Mice, Pocket Gophers, Ground Squirrels
• B. Rats, Chipmunks, Voles
• C. Squirrels, Prairie dogs, Moles
• D. Rabbits, Hares, Muskrats

Answer: (A)

In Alberta, the pests you’re most likely to encounter across many areas are mice, pocket gophers, and ground squirrels. Mice show up inside buildings and stored foods, breed quickly, and cause damage through gnawing and contamination, so they’re a common problem in both urban and rural settings. Pocket gophers live underground and create extensive tunnel systems that damage lawns, gardens, and irrigation lines, making them a widespread agricultural and landscape pest. Ground squirrels are social burrowers that can devastate crops and pastures and disrupt yards and equipment, contributing to their status as a common statewide nuisance. The other options mix non-rodents or rodents that aren’t as broadly problematic across Alberta’s landscape, so they don’t fit the idea of widespread pests as well.

In Alberta, the pests you’re most likely to encounter across many areas are mice, pocket gophers, and ground squirrels. Mice show up inside buildings and stored foods, breed quickly, and cause damage through gnawing and contamination, so they’re a common problem in both urban and rural settings. Pocket gophers live underground and create extensive tunnel systems that damage lawns, gardens, and irrigation lines, making them a widespread agricultural and landscape pest. Ground squirrels are social burrowers that can devastate crops and pastures and disrupt yards and equipment, contributing to their status as a common statewide nuisance.

The other options mix non-rodents or rodents that aren’t as broadly problematic across Alberta’s landscape, so they don’t fit the idea of widespread pests as well.