Norway rats can be confused with gophers or muskrats.
The battle against rats in Alberta, which had considered itself rat free, continues in Medicine Hat and environs.
As of Aug. 29, 146 rats had been exterminated, 111 of them in the regional landfill, 18 in the City of Medicine Hat and 17 in the surrounding Cypress County.
Medicine Hat and Alberta Agriculture news releases indicate bait traps have been put in buildings and other locations, within a five-kilometre radius of the landfill, that are considered attractive to rats.
Last week, poison-laced hay bales were put in strategic locations in the city to lure the rodents by providing the appearance of attractive feed and shelter.
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Motion sensor cameras are also being used to monitor the landfill and locate additional rats.
“Staff involved in the rat control operation include a team of municipal and county staff, bylaw officers, agriculture field men from neighbouring jurisdictions, and provincial inspectors/rat control officers,” said the Alberta Agriculture news release.
These officials are now referring requests for further information to a provincial public affairs officer.
Rat infestation is a potential concern for farmers because of damage they can do to grain stocks and other infrastructure. The rodents also carry disease.
Anyone who thinks they’ve seen a rat is advised to call 310-FARM (3276) to report it.
- An adult male weighs about one pound; females slightly less
- Average length of an adult (body only) is 18-25 centimetres
- Colour ranges from red/greyish brown to black
- Back feet are large in comparison to front feet, all are pink
- Eyes are small and shiny black
- Nose is somewhat blunt and pinkish
- Tail is most distinguishing feature – cylindrical, tapering and nearly hairless. Tail hairs are short and bristlelike and grow out from hairline ridges along entire tail.
- Nocturnal
- Remove outside food sources
- Place garbage in containers with tight lids
- Remove debris and wood piles along buildings
- Seal off access holes into buildings with steel wool or screen
- If you see a dead rat, cover it up to ensure other animals do not pick it up before pest control examines it.Source: Alberta Agriculture
