Why Does NYC Have So Many Rats?
WouterThe rat population in New York City is growing in number. The rats are largely Norway rats, which live for about a year and can produce three to 12 litters of pups. They are small mammals, but they are fast and can squeeze through small spaces and are able to survive on less than an ounce of food per day.
In response to human activity, the rats have adapted and expanded their tactics. They are now attacking other urban animals and feasting on their food supply. The increase in rat activity may be caused by the installation of outdoor dining sheds and the use of soy-based insulation in car wiring.
Although rats are not native to North America, they have been present in New York City for several centuries. The Norway rat, a brown species that originates in China, dominates the rat population in New York. This species was spread to the United States through ships used by Norwegian explorers. They eventually became established in NYC, where they swarmed through basements and streets.
Unlike humans, rats are able to leap four feet high and swim four feet. They are also capable of treading water. In addition, they travel along the same paths and can breed quickly. The city is home to two million rats, which is about a quarter of the human population. These rats also feed on human waste, such as curbside garbage, litter, and food waste. These factors, coupled with the city’s budget cuts, have increased rat populations in recent years.
