Health Canada has approved the restricted use of strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan for rodent control, despite objections from wildlife advocates who warn the toxic poison poses unacceptable risks to non-target species, including endangered birds and mammals. Wildlife advocates expressed deep disappointment Wednesday after Health Canada approved the restricted use of strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan, a decision they warn will put endangered species at risk. The federal agency announced it had accepted revised proposals from the two provinces to allow the use of strychnine for controlling Richardson's ground squirrels, commonly known as gophers. The poison, banned for widespread agricultural use since 1998, had been permitted only through emergency exemptions in recent years. Health Canada said the revised requests contained measures to reduce environmental risk, including stricter application protocols, buffer zones around sensitive habitats, and mandatory reporting requirements. "The proposed uses can be managed with appropriate risk mitigation measures," the agency said. But conservation groups called the decision a significant setback. Strychnine is highly toxic a...