The rat infestation problem in New York City is no secret among city residents.  They can be found roaming the streets during the night and foraging through bags and cans of trash in hunt for a tasty treat.  Some estimate New York City rats to outnumber human folks 20 to 1, while others discount those numbers as being false.  Whatever you believe, just take a walk through the streets of New York, and there’s no doubt that rats are alive and well in the city!

Rats continue to be photographed in many areas of the New York City subway system.  They forage and feast on the garbage that others leave behind.  They emerge from the cracks within the walls, popping their ugly heads through broken concrete and tiles.  Rats have been found on the subway tracks and scampering to and fro throughout the platform waiting areas. One brave rat was even photographed hanging from the handrail inside of a populated moving subway!  That’s certainly not the travel companion you would hope for while traveling on the tube under New York City!  Although a little leery of humans, they don’t typically run and hide when they encounter us.  Rats use to be a nighttime forager, but reports are that these obnoxious creatures have now taken to the New York City subways even during peak rush hour periods.

A two year study of the rats in the New York City subway system was completed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.  It was found that rats do not live in the subway tunnels as previously believed; instead they prefer to set up house within the walls.  It was also found that the rats are enjoying the food and drink debris that is left behind by subway riders.  The litter and crumbs are a constant invitation for rats to come to dinner.

Please check back on Friday for the conclusion.