In the spirit of Rats in the news, and in follow up to my post here: https://idwellinpossibility.ca/2024/09/23/of-rats-and-men/ (below)
I am posting the latest News Release from the Alberta Govt (yesterday). This post is dedicated to my friends who remain incredulous of this now infamous rat map:
(Source: https://www.bloc.eco/post/rat-free-areas-in-the-world)
News Release:
Encouraging Albertans to “Rat on Rats!”
November 05, 2024 Media inquiries
A new campaign is reminding Albertans to do their part to help keep Alberta rat-free.
For more than 70 years, Alberta has proudly been rat-free, meaning the province prevents the pest from establishing a permanent population while swiftly dealing with any infestations. That famous designation is thanks to the hard work and dedication of Rat Control Program staff, and all Albertans can do their part by reporting rat signs and sightings.
Through Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) funding to the Alberta Invasive Species Council, the governments of Canada and Alberta are reminding Albertans to “Rat on Rats!”
The $110,000 investment will fund billboards and outreach materials encouraging Albertans to report rats and rat signs. To celebrate the launch, the Alberta Invasive Species Council will hold an online forum at 11 a.m. on Nov. 5.
“Managing invasive species and pests, like rats, is an important part of keeping our food chain safe and productive. This campaign will help keep Alberta proudly rat-free, so our farmers can focus on what they do best – feeding Canadians and the world.”
Lawrence MacAulay, federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“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. This campaign will educate and remind Albertans to do their part to keep the pest out of our province.”
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
While many regions around the world face growing rat populations, Alberta stands apart thanks to its proactive approach and commitment to rat control. Rats often hitchhike into Alberta on vehicles, cargo and equipment, making it crucial for everyone to recognize that these pests are not native or established here.
“Alberta’s rat control program is an incredible success story. Our Rat on Rats! campaign builds on this and 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.”
Megan Evans, executive director, Alberta Invasive Species Council
Quick facts
- Albertans can report rats or rat sightings by emailing rats@gov.ab.ca or calling 310-FARM (3276).
- Last year, Albertans reported 450 rat sightings, 23 of which were confirmed rats.
- The majority, 158, were muskrats.
***
Dad, of course, would be the first to say that the biggest rat of them all is the leader of our province…😆