A government investment is helping Alberta keep its renowned rat-free status.
The provincial and federal governments are helping keep Alberta free of the invasive rodents through a $110,000 investment toward the Alberta Invasive Species Council's "Rat on Rats" campaign.
For over 70 years, Alberta has celebrated its rat-free status, meaning rats have been prevented from establishing a permanent population.
"Alberta is famously rat-free, a status we owe not just to the hard work and dedication of Rat Control staff over many decades, but also to the vigilance of Albertans," said provincial Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson.
Rat sightings have been known to occur in Alberta — evidence of the invasive rodents was discovered at two Calgary recycling depots in 2023 — but any infestations are swiftly eradicated through Rat Control Program staff. Preventative measures by the Government of Alberta include outlawing the ownership of live rats and the enforcement of a 600-kilometre long, 29-kilometre wide "Rat Control Zone" along the border of Saskatchewan.
According to the Government of Alberta, 450 rat sightings were reported in Alberta last year, 23 of which were confirmed to be rats. Of those sightings, 158 were revealed to have been muskrats, a native rodent species.
"This campaign will educate and remind Albertans to do their part to keep the pest out of our province," said Sigurdson.
The funding will support Alberta Invasive Species Council's outreach efforts through billboards and outreach materials encouraging Albertans to report rats as well as signs of rats.
"Alberta’s rat control program is an incredible success story," said Megan Evans, executive director of the Alberta Invasive Species Council, adding that the campaign "calls on all Albertans to help keep Alberta rat-free — if you see a rat, report it immediately! We all have a role to play in protecting Alberta from the impacts of invasive species.”
Albertans can report rats or rat sightings by emailing [email protected] or calling 310-FARM (3276).
The Government of Alberta website offers details on rat identification.
Learn more about the "Rat on Rats" campaign on the Alberta Invasive Species Council website.
The investment is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, described by the Government of Alberta as a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.
The nationwide investment includes $1 billion in federal programs and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially and territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
