As Paris captured the spotlight with the recent Olympic Games, it also faced an alarming rodent crisis that has sparked outrage among residents and tourists alike.
Appointed a "rat czar"
Social media posts have flooded in, showcasing the overwhelming presence of rats in popular tourist spots like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, and along the Seine River, according to 20minutes. With a population of over 2 million people, Paris has an estimated 1.75 rats for every resident, raising concerns about public health and sanitation.
But Paris is not alone in its struggle. Cities like New York and London have long grappled with increasing rat populations. In New York, the situation has escalated to the point where the city appointed a "rat czar," Kathy Corradi, in 2023.
Her role is to lead a multimillion-dollar campaign aimed at reducing the city's rat population, which has doubled in reported sightings from 30,000 in 2021 to around 60,000 in 2022.
18,000 Pest-Related Issues
New regulations now require businesses to use sealed containers for trash instead of leaving bags on the streets, a practice that has traditionally served as a buffet for rats.
In the UK, a report in 2023 indicated a troubling situation with "super rats" potentially numbering around 300 million.
These larger rodents have been spotted in areas like Tenby, Wales, causing alarm among residents. Moreover, hospitals have reported over 18,000 pest-related issues in the past three years, with rats infiltrating kitchens and maternity wards.
Spain is also facing challenges with rising rat populations. In cities like Vigo and Talavera de la Reina, local authorities have initiated urgent pest control measures. One resident's well-meaning attempts to feed ducks led to a surge in rats in the park, illustrating how easily these infestations can escalate.
