Why Are There No Rats in Alberta?
WouterThe province’s government is working to stop the spread of rats in Alberta. The province’s rat control program is costing about $377,000 a year. In addition to that, the province estimates that infestations cost the economy up to $31 million a year. Alberta’s geography also helps the province keep rats at bay. Unlike cities and towns with large coastlines, Alberta has little land to attract rats. Therefore, it is much easier to eradicate rats in the province.
The province’s rat-control program relies on public support and education. Using a toll-free hotline, locals can report rodent sightings. However, it is important to note that false alarms are common. In addition, school programs have been introduced to teach children about the signs of rodent infestations. Furthermore, keeping rats as pets is strictly forbidden in Alberta, with fines as high as $4000.
However, in the province, people are less likely to argue about rat control. Alberta’s government passed the Agricultural Pests Act of 1942, stating that rats are “animals that cause damage to livestock and crops.” As a result, every citizen is responsible for eradicating rats in their immediate area. If a citizen fails to do so, the federal government could intervene.
The Alberta government has been working to keep rats from spreading westward for decades. In the 1920s, rats first entered Alberta’s border from Saskatchewan. Since then, a rat control program was implemented, stopping the spread of the rodents and maintaining Alberta’s status as a rat-free province.
