Rat Watch

Purpose: To improve understanding about rat range and impacts in Alaska.

Background: Rats in particular brown or 'Norway Rats' are one of the primary invasive species in Alaska. This LEO Project was developed to help communities track rat problems and to improve understanding about any impacts on the built or natural environment.

Location: Alaska

Observing Guidance: Please collect photos if possible. This can help identify species. Any specific impacts to built or natural environment and knowledge about control efforts are welcome.

Source Data: LEO Network posts, interviews of tribal environmental managers.

Outputs: Map, Timeline trend.

Project Updates: ANTHC is performing a phone survey of communities on Kodiak Island and area to determine the presence of rats and local impacts and concerns.

Resources:

Stop Rats in Alaska website.

Tribal environmental programs that receive IGAP funds are encouraged to contact their EPA Grant Coordinators to discuss the possible use of environmental program funds for rat prevention, monitoring and control training and capacity development.

Norway Rats Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Invasive Species Program

Riley Woodward, Combating Invasive Rats in Alaska Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Where Rats Are Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Ellen I. Fritts Wildlife and People at Risk: A Plan to Keep Rats Out of Alaska ADFG, October 2007.

Terry Johnson Rat Control for Alaska Waterfront Facilities Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program

Samples:

For assistance on identification and archiveing you can contact University of Alaska Museum at UAF:

Aren Gunderson 474-6947 Mammals Collection University of Alaska Museum 907 Yukon Drive Fairbanks, AK 99775

Samples need to be shipped frozen and well insulated and marked frozen so that it stays frozen via FedEx, AK Air or ERA cargo.