Alberta launches ‘Rat on Rats!’ campaign

A new campaign is urging Albertans to continue their efforts in keeping the province rat-free. For over 70-years, Alberta has successfully prevented rats from establishing a permanent population, thanks to the diligent work of the Rat Control Program staff and the vigilance of its residents.

The campaign, funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is a joint initiative by the governments of Canada and Alberta. With an investment of $110,000, the campaign will feature billboards and outreach materials encouraging Albertans to report any signs or sightings of rats. The Alberta Invasive Species Council kicked off the campaign with an online forum on November 5, 2024.

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, highlighted the province’s unique status.

“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,” he explained. The campaign aims to educate and remind residents to remain vigilant in keeping the pests out of the province.

^{Signs of rat infestations can include burrows under gran bins and in bale stacks. (Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation)}

Megan Evans, Executive Director of the Alberta Invasive Species Council, praised the success of Alberta’s rat control program and calls on all Albertans to participate in the “Rat on Rats!” campaign.

“If you see a rat, report it immediately! We all have a role to play in protecting Alberta from the impacts of invasive species,” Evans urges.

The funding for this initiative comes from Sustainable CAP’s Resiliency and Public Trust initiative, part of a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture sector.

Albertans can report rats or rate sightings by emailing rats@gov.ab.ca or calling 310-FARM (3276). Help identifying a rat can be found here.

Learn more about ‘Rat on Rats!‘