Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

A study to determine the relative effectiveness of three trap types for Columbian ground squirrel (Spermophilus columbianus) removal was conducted during May and July 1985 in Missoula County, Montana. A Two-way Analysis of Variance was used to test for differences in reduction of burrow activity between conibear, box, and live traps versus controls. All trap types significantly reduced ground squirrel activity when compared to the controls for each month, but no trap type was significantly more effective than the others. Ground squirrels are more easily caught in July; trapping during both months is recommended for maximum reduction in ground squirrel populations.