Richardson’s ground squirrel populations have been declining across their range in Minnesota. One of the historically largest populations on state land, at Mentor Wildlife Management Area (WMA), mysteriously crashed in 2022. This protected population had been considered one of the last secure populations in the state. During 2024, we began monitoring that population and additional populations in Clay and Polk counties. This monitoring included conducting population estimates and studying individual squirrels’ habitat use. During 2025, we continued monitoring populations and, at the urging of the Department of Natural Resources, captured two individuals and translocated them to Mentor WMA. Successful translocations might have the potential for genetic rescue and recovery of this important population.
For more information: Joe Whittaker (jwhittak@cord.edu)