overpopulation of the squirrels. Cash prizes were awarded for the most number of animals killed, with the animals' tails being presented as proof of the kill. The Canadian Humane Society called the contest cruel and barbaric. Despite the criticism, the derby was repeated in 2003. By 2004, the ground squirrel population had dropped and the contest was cancelled. The Gopher Hole Museum in Torrington, Alberta, Canada, has a large selection of stuffed ground squirrels of many varieties and colors. Pet trade The Richardson's ground squirrel in recent years has become popular in the exotic pet trade. References External links Xander.it - Spermophilus richardsonii (Richardson's ground squirrels) videos American Society of Mammalogists species account (pdf) Information on keeping Richardson's ground squirrels as pets Dr. Gail Michener's site on Richardson's ground squirrel Urocitellus Mammals of Canada Fauna of the Plains-Midwest (United States) Mammals of the United States Agricultural pests Mammals described in 1858 Taxa named by Joseph Sabine