New York's Rat Population May Decline After Severe Winter, Experts Say
New York City, home to an estimated 3 million rats, could experience a temporary drop in its rodent population following the most severe winter in years. According to rodentologist Bobby Corrigan, cold weather causes rats to stop mating, potentially leading to fewer rats in the spring.
Historical Resilience and Current Challenges
Since arriving from Europe in the 1600s, New York's rats have survived numerous crises, including hurricanes, floods, and even a pandemic where they thrived. However, this winter's snow and deep freeze might finally curb their numbers, albeit briefly. Corrigan explained that while adult rats from Mongolia and northern China are well-adapted to cold, they avoid breeding in extreme conditions to protect vulnerable pups from hypothermia.
"If it's cold, they stop mating," said Corrigan, resulting in fewer rats than usual come spring. Rats stock up on food in underground burrows, creating "little pantries" to sustain themselves, but reproduction halts when temperatures plummet.
City Efforts and Policy Changes
New York City has invested millions of dollars in rat control, including appointing a rat czar, and is now seeing success. The Department of Sanitation reports a 14-month decline in rat sightings, attributed to a "massive effort to containerize trash." This policy requires residents and businesses to use sealed containers instead of leaving trash bags on streets, a tradition that has fed rats for decades.
Corrigan noted, "The compass is pointing the right direction," but emphasized that rats will always have a foothold in the city. "Your dreams of no rats is never going to happen," he added.
Rat Tourism and Winter Observations
Despite the cold, rat tours led by Kenny Bollwerk, known as "Rat Daddy," continue in Manhattan. Bollwerk has observed rats creating snow tunnels and making aggressive efforts to enter restaurants. He guarantees sightings on his tours, comparing it to whale watching or safari experiences.
However, Bollwerk submits reports to the sanitation department and said he's "willing to go out of business" to see rats gone. Winter tours can also reveal tragic scenes, such as dead rats found in exposed nests, highlighting the harsh impact of the season.
While a complete eradication is unlikely, the combination of severe weather and improved trash management offers hope for reducing New York's rat menace in the coming months.
