Why Are Rats So Big in NYC?

Rats are one of the most common nuisances in NYC. Not only do they steal food, but they can also spread disease. Despite the city’s reputation as a food paradise, New York City has an incredibly high rat population. In fact, New York City is home to over 2 million rats!

The rat population in the Big Apple is primarily made up of Norway rats. These rodents are large and can grow up to 16 inches long, nose to tail. They can squeeze through half-inch gaps and live on about an ounce of food a day. The population of rats in New York City has been growing rapidly in recent months.

Rat populations in New York have surged in recent years, with this year being the worst in the past decade. As of the first four months of 2019, there have been over 7,000 reports of rat sightings. The reason for this increase is not entirely clear. There are a number of potential reasons for this, including warmer weather and an epidemic.

One possible explanation is that the rats’ diet evolved to accommodate their habitat. Compared to rats in other areas of the world, rats in New York are adapted to living in cities. They eat salads, pizza, and hot dogs. Their numbers are estimated at around two million. Researchers have also found genes that affect diet, movement, and behavior.