Short Stuff: The Mad Trapper of Rat River
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Deep Dive
Who was the Mad Trapper of Rat River, and why is he significant?
The Mad Trapper of Rat River, also known as Albert Johnson, was an unidentified man who became infamous for evading a massive manhunt in the Canadian Arctic in 1931. He is significant because his story represents Canada's largest manhunt, involving intense survival skills, multiple shootouts with police, and a mystery surrounding his identity that remains unsolved to this day.
What triggered the manhunt for the Mad Trapper?
The manhunt began after Albert Johnson was accused of tampering with First Nations trappers' trap lines. When police confronted him at his cabin, he responded with violence, shooting at officers and refusing to cooperate, which escalated the situation into a prolonged pursuit.
How did Albert Johnson evade capture for so long?
Albert Johnson used his survival skills and knowledge of the harsh Arctic terrain to evade capture. He stepped in caribou tracks to hide his trail, survived extreme weather conditions, and engaged in multiple gunfights with the pursuing posse. His ability to scale a near-vertical ice wall also contributed to his evasion.
What role did technology play in the manhunt for the Mad Trapper?
The manhunt marked the first use of an aircraft in a search operation. A World War I fighter pilot, Wilfred Wap May, was enlisted to spot Johnson from the air. Additionally, the story was one of the first major news events to be broadcast via radio, which helped sell radios as people tuned in for updates.
What is known about Albert Johnson's background?
Albert Johnson's background remains largely a mystery. DNA analysis suggests he may have been of Swedish descent and grew up in the Midwestern United States. He had extensive dental work and suffered from scoliosis, yet he demonstrated remarkable physical endurance during the manhunt.
Why did the public root for Albert Johnson during the manhunt?
During the Great Depression, many people sympathized with outlaws and criminals who defied authority, as the establishment was seen as having failed the public. Albert Johnson's defiance and survival skills made him a folk hero to some, despite his violent actions.
How did the manhunt for the Mad Trapper end?
The manhunt ended after a final firefight in which Albert Johnson was killed. Despite his remarkable evasion tactics, the posse eventually caught up with him, bringing an end to the seven-week pursuit.
- Canada's largest manhunt
- Unidentified individual
- Remote Northwest Territories near Fort McPherson
- Built a cabin near Rat River
- Lived in a rugged, wild, and dangerous area
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