Rat on Rats!
Did you know that Alberta remains the largest RAT-FREE jurisdiction in the world?
Alberta is asking for your help to report observations of rates and any damage they may have caused using the Alberta Invasive Species Council's free invasive species reporting app, EDDMapS, by emailling rats@gov.ab.ca, calling 310-FARM, or by contacting your local municipality.
All reports are provided to the Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) Rat Control Team, who work with local stakeholders to develop solutions.
While Saddle Hills County supports this initiative, please note that we are not administering the program.
Rats: The Facts
Rats are believed to have been introduced to Canada around 1775, when early settlers docked their shops on the east coast. Since then, rats have spread all over North America, causing damage to crops, property, and the environment, and threatening public health through disease transfer. Rats are highly adaptable and reproduce quickly, making infestations difficult to control.
Alberta's Rat Control Program
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) established a Rat Control Program and Rat Control Zone in the 1950s, when rats were first reported on Alberta's eastern borders, and is one of the most effective pest management initiatives in the world. The program includes strict regulations, public education, and routine inspections of farms, businesses, and residential areas.
Alberta's Rat Control Zone is a 600 km long, 29 km wide buffer zone along the eastern border with Saskatchewan, running from Cold Lake to the Montana border. Natural barriers like the Rocky Mountain, boreal forest, and short-grass prairie protect other parts of Alberta, while the eastern border remains the most vulnerable.
The seven municipalities within the Rat Control Zone (Cypress County, MD of Wainwright #61, MD of Acadia #34, MD of Provost #52, MD of Bonnyville #87, Special Areas Board, and the County of Vermillion River) have appointed pest control inspectors who work diligently to monitor and manage potential rat activity. Their efforts, combined with public awareness, are essential to preventing the establishment of rat populations. Alberta's success in staying rat-free hinges on maintaining the Rat Control Zone and ensuring prompt responses to potential infestations, protecting the province's agriculture, infrastructure, and public health from the severe impact of rats.
More Information:
Contact Us
Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca
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