Dead rat found in Central Alberta
Published 12:05 pm Friday, September 25, 2026
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A dead rat has been located in the Bowden area.
On Thursday, Sept. 24, the Town of Bowden posted about the dead rat on social media. The province’s Rat Patrol has been dispatched to “investigate and dispose,” the town noted.
“If you’ve noticed rat droppings or any signs of rats, please contact Rat Patrol Alberta so they can follow up. Please stay alert and report any sightings,” reads the town’s Facebook post.
Alberta established its Rat Control Program in 1950.
“Alberta’s rat-free status means there is no resident population of rats and they are not allowed to establish themselves,” the Government of Alberta website states.
“It does not mean we never get rats. Small infestations occasionally occur, but when found, the rats are isolated and eradicated through proven control methods.”
The provincial government describes rats as “the most destructive vertebrate in the world.”
“Globally widespread, rats cause major economic losses to stored and infield crops, destroy property, and transmit diseases, including Rat Bite Fever, C. difficile, E. coli, Leptospirosis and superbug bacteria,” states the government’s website.
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the most common species of rat on the Canadian Prairies. Alberta’s Agricultural Pests Act, and Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation, lists the Norway rat and any other rat from the genus Rattus as declared pests.
“While the province is responsible for the administration of the Rat Control Program, every person and municipality must take active measures to prevent the establishment of rats on their property. Under the Act, it is also illegal to import and sell rats in the province or keep them as pets.”
Report observations of rats by calling 310-3276 or emailing rats@gov.ab.ca.
For more information, visit www.alberta.ca/albertas-rat-control-program.