Chicago war on rodents: Ward introduces rat birth control pilot program

Related video: Meet the cats fighting Chicago’s rat problem

CHICAGO (WGN) — A Chicago ward is enlisting birth control to help with the city’s ‘war’ on rodents. 

The Office of Chicago Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd Ward) announced on Friday a partnership with the Chicago Bird Alliance, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and others on a pilot program that aims to reduce the area’s rat population through “rat birth control.” 

According to Knudsen, scientists will monitor the contraceptive pellets placed on various blocks throughout the district. The pellets are safe for all creatures other than rats. 

The alderman said he plans to introduce an ordinance that could see the pilot program implemented in all 50 legislative districts should the use of rat contraceptives succeed.

The 43rd Ward encompasses parts of Lincoln Park, Old Town, and the Gold Coast.

Conventional rat poison can harm birds, dogs, cats, and other animals.

Earlier in the week, WGN-TV reported the City of Chicago announced a partnership with an Arizona company to bring rat birth control to select neighborhoods.  

On Tuesday, April 1, city crews began distributing the contraceptive in bait boxes set up in Wicker Park and Bucktown alleyways. 

Chicago has been named Orkin’s “rattiest city” for the 10th straight year. Orkin said the city’s abundance of alleys and underground train tracks provides rodents with hidden havens, offering rats plenty of space to hide while feasting on trash.