kids encyclopedia robot

Rivière aux Rats (Anticosti Island) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Rivière aux Rats
Country Canada
Province Quebec
Region Côte-Nord
Regional County Municipality Minganie Regional County Municipality
Physical characteristics
Main source Confluence of two mountain streams
L'Île-d'Anticosti
171 m (561 ft)
49°21′32″N 63°06′08″W / 49.35887°N 63.10210°W / 49.35887; -63.10210
River mouth Gulf of Saint Lawrence
L'Île-d'Anticosti
1 m (3.3 ft)
49°14′31″N 63°07′05″W / 49.24194°N 63.11805°W / 49.24194; -63.11805
Length 18.3 km (11.4 mi)
Basin features
Tributaries
  • Left:
    (upstream)

The Rivière aux Rats (which means Rats River in English) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This river is located on Anticosti Island, which is part of the Minganie Regional County Municipality in the Côte-Nord region.

A forest road runs near the Rivière aux Rats and the Chicotte River. This road helps people get around the area. It connects the Grand-Lac-Salé Ecological Reserve in the south to the main road in the northern part of the island.

The main activity in this area is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. People also enjoy recreational tourism here, especially hunting and fishing.

Where the Rats River Flows

The Rats River starts where two mountain streams meet. This spot is about 171 meters (561 feet) above sea level. It is located in the south-central part of Anticosti Island.

From its start, the Rats River flows for about 18.3 kilometers (11.4 miles). It drops about 170 meters (558 feet) in height along its journey. The river generally flows south. It picks up water from several smaller streams along the way. Near its end, it passes under a forest road bridge.

The Rats River flows into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This happens on the south shore of Anticosti Island. The river's mouth is located near areas like Grand Lac Salé and Baie des Sables.

Why is it Called Rats River?

The name "rivière aux Rats" first appeared on a map in 1955. This map was made by the Consolidated Bathurst company.

The official name "rivière aux Rats" was confirmed on September 12, 1974. This was done by the Place Names Bank of the Commission de toponymie du Québec.

Lac-Salé Ecological Reserve

In 1991, the government of Quebec created the "Lac-Salé Ecological Reserve." This special area covers about 7,000 hectares (about 17,300 acres). It was set up to protect nature.

The reserve is bordered by the Rivière du Brick and the Chicotte River. It stretches from the Honguedo Strait up these rivers. This helps protect the unique plants and animals in the area.

kids search engine
Rivière aux Rats (Anticosti Island) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.