Federal money to fund campaign encouraging Albertans to report rat sightings

Alberta’s government is spending $110,000 on billboards and outreach materials encouraging residents to report rats.

The province has been loud and proud about being rat free for the last seven decades, largely possible thanks to the work of the Rat Control Program.

New funding from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to the Alberta Invasive Species Council will continue this work, encouraging Albertans to “Rat on Rats!”

“Managing invasive species and pests, like rats, is an important part of keeping our food chain safe and productive,” federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay, said in a statement. “This campaign will help keep Alberta proudly rat-free, so our farmers can focus on what they do best – feeding Canadians and the world.”

A rat-free Alberta is also possible thanks to the vigilance of residents, says Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson.

“This campaign will educate and remind Albertans to do their part to keep the pest out of our province,” he added.

Rats often find their way to Alberta by hitchhiking on vehicles, cargo and equipment, according to the province.

Rats reproduce multiple times a year, at eight weeks old, with up to 12 litters per year of 12 to 18 rats.

Rats can host more than 35 different diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

Signs of rats including droppings, gnaw or chew marks, burrows or nests, rub marks on walls, and strange noises.

Last year, Albertans reported 450 rat sightings, 23 of which were confirmed to be rats, while the majority — 158 — were muskrats.

Rats or rat sightings can be reported by emailing rats@gov.ab.ca or calling 310-FARM (3276).