State Sinks Teeth into Plan to Eradicate Rats from Alaska

Now in effect are new state regulations aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers posed to Alaska by rats and at helping eradicate rats from the state.

“Rats have already done terrible damage to wild birds and other species on islands in the state,” said Fish and Game Commissioner Denby Lloyd. “Hundreds of dead auklets have been found in rat dens on Kiska Island in the western Aleutians, which used to be rat free.”

The new regulations, passed by the Alaska Board of Game in March, will give state and federal agencies needed tools to address a significant threat to Alaska's wildlife, he said.

As the state with the most coastline in the United States, Alaska is particularly vulnerable to this invasive species coming in to its ports and harbors, said Ron Clarke, assistant director of wildlife conservation at the Fish and Game Department.

“More than 100 species of ground-nesting birds used for subsistence in Alaska may be vulnerable to rats, if rats colonize their areas,” he said. “Norway rats have been found on 21 large islands in Alaska; and a dozen communities in the state, from Ketchikan to Nome, are known to have breeding colonies. Without control and prevention actions, rats in these areas can be easily spread to other parts of the state.”

The regulations, which were effective Sept. 13, essentially require boaters, shippers and others moving containers that may contain rats to be vigilant in checking for the vermin and in taking action to control or eradicate rats when they are found. Enforcement will focus largely on prevention of rat releases, assistance to shippers and others and voluntary compliance.

Clarke said Fish and Game has been working with other state and federal agencies on steps to stop invasive rodents from entering Alaska and spreading around the state, and to restore and protect Alaska's native species and habitats.

“Taking these steps will require significant multi-agency coordination, and help from both Alaskans and those traveling to Alaska, particularly vessel operators, fishermen and cargo shippers,” Clarke said.

Read the full Alaska Journal of Commerce story here.