081724- A golden-mantled ground squirrel is captured by a News photographer at a Southeast Hill residence this week. -- NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Alberta’s status as rat-free is in tact, but Medicine Hat’s reputation as a squirrel-free zone is up for debate for at least a little while longer.
Tree squirrels, though common in the Cypress Hills and every other Alberta city, are not native to Medicine Hat.
However, pictures of an apparent chipmunk taken by a News photographer this week on the city’s Southeast Hill and forwarded to Alberta Fish and Wildlife officials, confirm that the subject is technically a golden-mantled ground squirrel.
The type is native to environments near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, and likely didn’t migrate naturally to the Hat, concludes workers at Medicine Hat nature interpretive centre.
“He’s a handsome fellow for sure,” said Mairi Donnelly, an interpreter at the Police Point Interpretive Centre, who said the animal may have essentially hitched a ride on vehicle or camper returning from the mountains.
A Hatter reported seeing a similar specimen in 2023. The species is not considered a threat to the local ecosystem, and since it is not believed to be part of a breeding pair, it’s of no special concern.
“He’ll be left to his own devices,” and not subject to relocation or eradication.”
Officials with the Police Point nature centre say they often discuss the matter of squirrels with residents or visitors, some of whom don’t believe they are not in the city, or suggest introducing the animals.
Officials, however, warn against introducing non-native species for fear of unintended consequences and the potential effects on existing wildlife.
“Typically, any species that’s introduced – plant or animal – will out-compete, out-eat and destroy those in a new environment,” said Donnelly, noting that food resources and geography limit natural migration of species over long time periods. That generally keeps a natural balance of food supply.
For example, there hasn’t been a successful migration from the Cypress Hills across the grasslands to the city, said Donnelly, due to only sparse tree cover that squirrels and chipmunks use for shelter and food.
That’s not the case for other ground squirrels in the region, namely the Richardson ground-squirrel (better known as gophers), or the kangaroo rat.
Unnatural migration of invasive plants, insects or plant disease can often occur by unwitting travellers or campers who may move firewood.
“It’s always a good idea to clean your gear,” said Donnelly. “Wash off dirt and mud, get rid of any insects.”
Gardeners should also check with an Alberta Wildlife list of invasive weeds and plants when purchasing bedding plants and shrubs.
The Medicine Hat Interpretive centre will host a invasive plant “pull” at Police point targeting Common Buckthorn on Sunday, Aug. 25, beginning at 1 p.m.
