Does Alberta Have Rats?
The province of Alberta has a rat control program that is dedicated to eliminating rats from the province. Last year, 31 rats were found in Alberta, and the province expects to find only 26 rats by 2020. While this increase is disappointing, it does not necessarily mean that rats are a greater problem in Alberta. Rather, the increase can be attributed to an increased public awareness about rats and a more effective reporting system.
The province has declared a war on rats and has dedicated Rat Patrollers to deal with infestations. They have also set up a hotline where citizens can report any infestation of rats. The number is 310-RATS. The hotline is manned by former Mountie Hamblin.
Although rats are not considered a major problem in Alberta, the province has been taking aggressive measures to combat the problem. The government has also introduced strict regulations that allow farmers to better protect their feed. In addition to this, zoos and universities are also required to obtain rat permits. Regardless of whether you live in a rural area or a suburban one, rat control is a priority in Alberta.
In the spring of 2020, the province saw a rise in rat reports. There were 481 confirmed rat sightings in Alberta, although the majority were muskrats. In the spring and fall, the number of reports increases significantly. However, despite the increased activity in the province, Alberta continues to face only a few infestations per year.