Why an Alaska island is trying to find a rat that might not exist

Residents of St. Paul Island, part of the Pribilof Islands in Alaska, were alarmed by a possible rat sighting, as rats can wreak havoc on seabird populations. Efforts to keep rats off remote islands are ongoing, with prevention being key. Officials on St. Paul Island are using various methods, including rat traps and chew blocks, to detect any rats. The community is on high alert, despite no evidence of rats since the reported sighting. Eradication programs have been successful on other islands, showing the importance of protecting seabirds and maintaining diverse ecosystems. Researchers have seen positive impacts on native bird populations following rat eradication efforts. The community is vigilant about invasive species, recognizing the unique and fragile nature of the island’s ecosystem.