Alberta ‘Gopher Hole Museum’ in need of new home due to insect issues

A taxidermied gopher in Alberta's World Famous Gopher Hole Museum. (Courtesy: World Famous Gopher Hole Museum)

A popular tourist attraction in a central Alberta town is looking for a new building to call home due to ongoing insect issues.

The World Famous Gopher Hole Museum, located in Torrington, Alta., is dealing with a maple bug and wasp problem that “threatens the integrity of the displays and the two historic buildings that house them.”

Due to the concerns, the museum announced it will be opening for the season on May 19 to allow for fumigation work to take place.

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Laurel Kurta, the museum’s director, said they are looking for a new facility to house the museum but have been unsuccessful so far.

“These buildings are rapidly showing their age and are in desperate need of replacement,” Kurta said in a Monday news release.

“Without intervention, we risk losing the museum entirely. Fumigation is currently the only feasible strategy, although temporary, to further delay permanent closure.”

The museum features 82 taxidermized Richardson’s ground squirrels in 48 displays that each make up a “vignette of Torrington’s history.”

Visitors can take in the anthropomorphic displays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, May 19.

Then between May 23 and June 22, the museum will be open on weekends only, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Then from June 26 to Sept. 1, it will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Gopher Hole Museum was created and cared for by community volunteers, aiming to preserve and share the stories of rural Alberta in an entertaining and educational way.

“We want to assure our community that we are doing everything possible to resolve the concerns with our buildings and ensure a successful future for our museum,” Kurta said.

“We are excited to welcome visitors for our 30th season, and we appreciate your patience and ongoing support.”

Anyone wishing to support the museum’s goal of finding a new home can donate through its website.

Torrington is located approximately 120 kilometres northeast of Calgary.