MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – More than 2,600 Richardson’s ground squirrels have been removed by 5th Civil Engineer Squadron airmen from Minot Air Force Base housing by deliberately focusing on areas with heightened activity over the past few weeks, according to Minot AFB information.

Richardson’s ground squirrels are one of two ground squirrels that can be found in North Dakota, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The other ground squirrel is Franklin’s ground squirrel. Richardson’s are also called Flickertails or dakrats.

Minot AFB Homes has applied its eradication methods, including the use of smoke, in more than 2,000 burrows in response to work orders and as part of the PCS (permanent change of station) season housing turnover process during the past few weeks.

Minot AFB Homes is a private company that owns base family housing and is responsible for managing and maintaining it.

Residents are being asked to continue to inform Minot AFB Homes of areas of increased activity as it continues to compile data and help direct these coordinated efforts where they will have the most impact.