Gophers declared 'pests' in Sask.

The Richardson's ground squirrel, known on the Prairies as a gopher, has been declared a pest by the government of Saskatchewan, a move that gives local authorities more powers to enforce control measures for the creature.

Gophers are considered a nuisance by many in the agricultural sector because of the damage the animals do with their holes.

Cattle are at risk of injury if they step in a gopher hole, and cash crops can be ruined by their activities.

The province said local governments asked for the official designation. Rural municipalities will now be in position to enact bylaws to control gophers and enforce prevention measures.

The change to the Pest Control Act was announced Tuesday by Minister of Agriculture Bob Bjornerud.

He also extended the gopher control rebate program offered by the province. That measure provides a 50 per cent rebate to producers and rural municipalities for the cost of gopher control products.