Juneau, Alaska: On a windswept tundra island in the Bering Sea, far from mainland Alaska, a resident reported seeing a rat outside their home, although they were uncertain about the sighting. This report ignited concern on St. Paul Island, part of the Pribilof Islands, known for its rich birdlife and often referred to as the “Galapagos of the north.
” Rats that stow away on boats can quickly infest remote islands, leading to severe declines in bird populations by consuming eggs, chicks, and even adult birds, disrupting fragile ecosystems. Following the resident’s report in June, wildlife officials investigated the area around the apartment complex, searching for tracks, chew marks, or droppings. They set traps baited with peanut butter and installed trail cameras, but no evidence of the rat has been found.
Lauren Divine, director of the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island’s ecosystem conservation office, emphasized the seriousness of the threat, stating, “Rats absolutely decimate seabird colonies, so the threat is never one that the community would take lightly.” The anxiety on St.
Paul Island reflects ongoing efforts to keep non-native rats off ecologically sensitive islands. Successful rodent eradication has occurred on hundreds of islands globally, including “Rat Island” in Alaska's Aleutian chain. However, these efforts are time-consuming and costly, making prevention a priority.
Around St. Paul, officials have placed “chew blocks” designed to detect rodent bites, some equipped with ultraviolet material to help spot glowing droppings. Residents have been alerted to remain vigilant, and officials are requesting permission for the U.
S. Department of Agriculture to bring a detection dog to the island, although dogs are generally banned to protect fur seals. Despite the lack of evidence since the sighting, the search for the rat will likely continue for months.
Divine described the challenge as akin to finding “a needle in a haystack, not knowing if a needle even exists.” The island's small community of around 350 people has maintained a rodent surveillance program, including traps near the airport and waterfront areas to catch any potential intruders. The last known rat on St.
Paul was discovered dead in 2019 after evading the community's defenses for nearly a year. This history underscores the seriousness with which even unverified sightings are treated. The U.
S. Fish and Wildlife Service is planning an environmental review aimed at eradicating the estimated tens of thousands of rats on four uninhabited islands in the Aleutian chain, which is home to over 10 million seabirds. The presence of non-native rats significantly reduces seabird diversity and populations, with evidence of carcasses found in rat food caches on Kiska Island.
If the agency proceeds with the eradication plans, the first project could begin in five years, with completion potentially taking decades due to the extensive planning required. These efforts are vital for protecting seabirds already stressed by climate change. The successful eradication of rats from what was once known as Rat Island demonstrates the effectiveness of such programs.
Rats likely arrived there with a Japanese shipwreck in the late 18th century, followed by fur traders introducing arctic foxes in the 19th century. The foxes were removed in 1984, but it wasn't until 2009 that rats were eradicated through aerially dropped poison pellets. Afterward, the island returned to its original name, Hawadax, and native bird populations began to thrive again.
Before eradication, researchers noted an eerie silence; however, after the rats were removed, they documented the return of various bird species, including tufted puffins and song sparrows. Donald Lyons, director of conservation science at the National Audubon Society's Seabird Institute, highlighted the beauty of the Pribilof Islands and the remarkable abundance of wildlife there. He commended the Alaska Native communities for their efforts to keep invasive species out, recognizing the unique wonder of nature in that region.
(AP).
