Normally, time must be taken to diagnose the problem accurately as two primary burrowing vertebrates, the northern pocket gopher and the Columbian ground squirrel, live in western Montana. As their habits vary greatly, it is important to distinguish which animal you seek to control before recommending management strategies. As these are native animals, practical management objectives should be considered, as eradication probably isn’t a reasonable goal. Landowners can find excellent detailed resources, both from Montana State University publications and the Montana Department of Agriculture. The Montana Department of Agriculture, Technical Services Bureau, 321 South 24th Street West, Billings, MT 59102, (406) 652-3615, can also help with burrowing rodents in agriculture and rangeland situations.
Online Resources
Pocket Gopher
Pocket Gopher Control
