Maintaining a Rat-Free Alberta: Legislative Strategy and Long-Term Management

Sara Santos-Vigneault
Apr 12
2 min read

Alberta holds a rare distinction: it is the largest inhabited region in the world that remains free of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). This achievement is the result of a carefully coordinated rat control program launched in the 1950s. Through a combination of legislative authority, regulatory enforcement, public education, and ongoing monitoring, Alberta has successfully maintained its rat-free status for over seven decades.

In 1950, Norway rats were first detected near Alberta’s eastern border with Saskatchewan. Recognizing the significant risks posed by rat infestations—including threats to public health, agriculture, and infrastructure—the provincial government responded swiftly. It established a Rat Control Zone spanning approximately 600 kilometres in length and 29 kilometres in width along the border. Within this zone, pest control officers carried out routine inspections, baiting programs, and rapid eradication efforts.

This early intervention formed the basis of a proactive and prevention-focused model of pest management.

Alberta’s rat control efforts are firmly grounded in the Agricultural Pests Act, which designates rats as pests under provincial law. The Act makes it illegal to import, possess, or transport rats without a permit. Violations of this legislation may result in fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 60 days.

The legal framework supports the province’s broader strategy by providing clear enforcement authority and reinforcing Alberta’s commitment to preserving its rat-free status.

Public cooperation plays an essential role in the success of the rat control program. Residents are encouraged to report any sightings or signs of rats through dedicated hotlines or email contact points. This system ensures that pest control authorities can respond quickly to potential threats.

Educational campaigns continue to inform the public about the ecological and economic impacts of rats, as well as the importance of individual participation in prevention efforts.

Despite its long-standing success, Alberta remains alert to potential incursions. In 2012, an isolated infestation involving 147 rats was discovered at a landfill near Medicine Hat. The infestation was quickly contained and eradicated, illustrating the program’s responsiveness and the importance of continued surveillance.

This incident underscores the need for long-term vigilance, particularly as environmental and human factors evolve.

Alberta’s long-standing rat control program demonstrates how sustained legislative action, clear enforcement mechanisms, and active public engagement can collectively support a major public policy goal. The province’s efforts have established a model for coordinated invasive species management, combining legal authority with practical, community-driven solutions.