Dead gophers an unwelcome sight for students at University of Saskatchewan

There’s a gopher problem at the University of Saskatchewan.

But it’s not because there are too many running around.

“There are just dead gophers everywhere, and it’s a little bit unsettling,” student Lydia Sauder said about what she’s seen on campus over the past few days.

The university has begun using rodent bait to help limit gophers across campus, she said, instead of the previous method of covering holes and then using gas.

The situation, Sauder said, has left an unwelcoming sight for people working at, studying on, or visiting the campus.

“I’ve noticed several that obviously weren’t quite dead yet but were in the process of dying, and that is even more upsetting to see,” Sauder added.

“You can see them having tremors through their bodies and have blood coming out of their mouth, so it’s not something you want to see while on campus.”

Sauder said she and other students have changed their walking routes along campus, and now use the tunnels instead of walking outside during the summer because of the disturbing sights.

Over the years she’s attended the university, Sauder said she’s never seen anything like this, and feels it raises safety concerns for pets, kids and other wildlife.

Wade Epp, associate vice-president of services at the university, said the school’s pest control program doesn’t present any such risks.

“The university has had a humane pest control program for many years that does not pose a threat to humans, domestic pets, or other wildlife. The process of controlling pest populations is a common practice at the university and throughout the city because they can pose a number of safety issues as well as damage property,”  Epp said in a written statement.

“During summer months, with increased foot traffic and the addition of Kids Camps, the Bowl could present injury risk if a program such as this was not in place. Ensuring the safety of our campus community is our top priority.”

University staff has been clearing many of the dead gophers away, but Sauder said she’s noticed the same dead rodents left lying on the ground for a couple of days.

The university could not confirm if any camps or other events in the Bowl would be affected by the pest control program this summer.