As climate change leads to rising temperatures, urban rat populations are surging worldwide, particularly in cities like Washington, D.C., where sightings have increased dramatically. This growth can be attributed to milder winters that reduce foraging hardships for rats. An analysis of sightings over twelve years across sixteen cities found significant population increases, presenting challenges for already struggling urban areas. The implications are severe, as rats are known to spread diseases, contaminate food, and cause substantial economic damage, amounting to an estimated $27 billion annually in the United States.
Urban rat populations are booming around the world due in large part to rising average temperatures, according to an analysis of 16 cities.
The trend is most pronounced in Washington, D.C., followed by San Francisco, Toronto and New York.
It's hard out there for a rat. During the height of winter, the rodents flee underground or indoors, spending less time foraging for food to feed their young and grow their numbers.
Over the past decade, rat sightings in D.C. jumped by more than 300 percent, while in New York they went up by 162 percent.
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