The Town of Drumheller has issued a press release stating that a rodent discovered by a Drumheller resident is a roof rat, and not a Norway Rat.
On Saturday morning a Drumheller resident trapped the gray rat, measuring about 14 inches from tip to tail.
He attempted to get a hold of Fish and Wildlife. A neighbour who is in bylaw enforcement took possession of the animal.
The Town issued a press release, stating the rat it investigated was a roof rat.
“After an investigation, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has confirmed the rodent is a roof rat. Roof rats are not native to the prairies and do not like cold weather. This species of rat is found more commonly in the warm, wet areas of the East and West Coasts of Canada. Officials believe the rat entered Alberta on a vehicle, which traveled from an area common to Roof Rats. These rats are usually found alone and rarely in pairs,” It states.
Further: “The Town of Drumheller Protective Services Department will be proactive to ensure this is an isolated case in Drumheller. While more rat traps will be set up in the area of the sighting, the Town asks residents to be vigilant while traveling. If residents have traveled to a warmer climate in a vehicle and have questions or concerns about roof rats please call Protective Services Director Greg Peters at 403-823-1363 or email gpeters@dinosaurvalley.com.”
