How Bad Is The Rat Infestation In New York City? So Bad, The City Is Hiring A New Rat Czar
by Ivy Cosca
Rats are so common in New York City that even Wikipedia claims these rodents are considered “a cultural symbol of the city.” Though they may inhabit the city, they’re far from welcome. The rat infestation in New York City is evident, but it’s gotten so bad, a job post was created to help eradicate the problem.
Keep reading to find out if you can be the new rat czar.
Why Rats Keep Plaguing The City Of New York
A study published estimates that there are about 2 million rats dwelling in New York City, but others think there could be up to 35 million. When the pandemic hit the Big Apple, New Yorkers had to change their daily routine. This includes closing down their restaurants and stores earlier than before, while some didn’t open their doors at all. As a result, rats became desperate for an alternative food source.
As the city recovers from COVID, the rats are also adjusting to the new normal. There have been 71% more rat complaints than the previous year because they started roaming the streets of NYC to scavenge for food. These previously elusive vermin became increasingly aggressive (otherwise known as “hangry” in modern terms) as they grew more and more desperate to survive.
Search For The Perfect Rat Czar
New York City surprisingly doesn’t hold the title of being the most rat-filled city in the US. For eight years in a row, Chicago is deemed the rattiest city— New York only comes second (followed by Los Angeles), but this doesn’t mean the extermination of New York rats shouldn’t be prioritized.
A few days ago, the city acknowledged how NYC’s rats are “cunning, voracious, and prolific.” Hence, why they published a job listing where they seek someone who’s “highly motivated and somewhat bloodthirsty, determined to look at all solutions from various angles, including improving operational efficiency, data collection, technology innovation, trash management, and wholesale slaughter.”
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations also requires their next “Director of Rodent Mitigation” to possess a “swashbuckling attitude, crafty humor, and general aura of badassery.”
New York seeks the perfect rat czar because according to them “New York City’s rats are legendary for their survival skills, but they don’t run this city— we do.”
Closing Remarks
The rat infestation in New York City has gotten so bad that an overseer must be appointed to take tactical measures in getting rid of them. Until New York City finds a solution to its rat problem, or until they find the ultimate rat czar to eradicate the pesky rodents and other unwanted pests, be mindful of where you dump your waste products. Rats also carry countless diseases that may be contagious to humans. If you have a rat infestation in your home or establishment, call an exterminator or a professional instead of eliminating them yourself.