Nakusp is nestled along the shores of the Arrow Lake, surrounded by mountains, forests and wildlife that inhabits those areas. How we manage our living and recreational space has a great deal of influence on the amount of human-wildlife conflict we experience. WildSafeBC provides a wide range of services to assist citizens in their pursuit to minimize wildlife conflict in urbanized areas.
The Village of Nakusp partners with WildSafeBC to provide education, tools and tips to residents to help prevent conflict with wildlife.
Rodents
There are two types of rats in BC: the Norway rat (rattus norvegicus) and the roof rat (rattus rattus). Rats are prolific breeders, a pair of rats could theoretically produce over 900 offspring within a single year. Rats are not a species that the Conservation Officer Service deals with. Contact a local, reputable pest control agent if you need assistance with removing rats. If trapping rats yourself, avoid using techniques that cause undue suffering or poisons that can be dangerous to pets, children and other wildlife.
Managing Attractants
Rats cannot survive without food, water and shelter. Combating rats is a community effort, starting with managing attractants by reducing shelter opportunities as well as food and water sources. Here are a few tips from WildSafeBC:
- Keep all garbage secured stored until the day of collection. The secure container should be cleaned on a regular basis.
- Feed pets indoors, or if you feed your pets outdoors, bring uneaten food back inside. Rats will quickly target any type of pet food left out.
- Clean up all fallen fruits and nuts from trees.
Remove Cover and Shelter
- Remove unnecessary wood piles, heavy brush, unused sheds or equipment.
- Prune overhead branches that might provide access to your balcony, roof and/or attic.
- Repair cracks in foundations or footings.
- More tips on reducing attractants can be found here.
Check out a recorded workshop from Wildsight Revelstoke.
WildSafeBC – Keeping wildlife wild and communities safe.
