The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012 8:59PM EDT

MEDICINE HAT, Alberta -- An official for Medicine Hat in southeastern Alberta says the rat population found in the city's landfill appears to be spreading to cushier digs.

Bylaw superintendent Fred Crittenden says the rodents are now being discovered in residential areas.

All appear to be the same species as the more than 80 Norway rats that have been found in the dump since earlier this month.

Crittenden says there have been dozens of complaints.

"So far ... we've have about 31 or 32 potential sightings. We've been able to confirm about 13 of those so far," he said Tuesday.

"We've had confirmed sightings all over the city and we've actually got photos of them or we've picked them up."

Most of the pests, however, have been found in an area close to the South Saskatchewan River.

Crittenden said traps will be put up around the city.

"Our pest control company is setting up bait stations at various locations that we feel they are most likely to migrate to," he said. "Those are going to be checked on a regular basis to see what kind of activity we're having on them."

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Rats spread out from landfill in Medicine Hat, Alta.