Vancouver Rat Project
The Story
Rat infestations are a big problem in cities around the world.
This is a problem because rats cause a number of problems for people. For example, these are the source of a number of infectious diseases.
But we know very little about urban rats or how best to deal with the threats they pose to people.
The Vancouver Rat Project (est. 2011) is dedicated to producing the knowledge necessary to allow evidence-based monitoring and mitigation of urban rat infestations and rat-related issues.
What You Should Know
Rats can make people sick.
Rats carry a number of different bacteria and viruses that can make people sick.
Disease mitigation is complex.
The ways in which these pathogens are spread among rats and to people are complex, which makes mitigating the health risks posed by rats equally complex.
Rats also impact mental health.
Even in the absence of disease risks, rats can have negative impacts on the mental health of the people who live with them.
Successful management requires ecologically focused approaches.
Management requires evidence-based, ecologically focused approaches to control rats in cities.
VRP Studies
Project Summaries
Ecology
Rat Health
Pathogens
Impacts on People
Management
VRP Media
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Cold Hard Facts
Come here for the data?
Peruse and download our technical documents below.
VRP Environmental Observation Tool