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Colonies of big-city rat experts work to outsmart rodent community

USA Today
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The first -ever rat national summit aimed to lay out best practices across North America .

By 2050 , 70% of people will live in cities, experts say, and rats are likely going to try to follow humans into the future.

Rat control is no less important in the 21st century than in the 14th century , health commissioner says.

Rats are prolific in reproduction, especially if they have plenty of food and water.

Human choices about food and trash play a part in this, experts say.

New York City has a rat czar, appointed in 2023 , to coordinate work by pest control companies and property managers.

The city formed a “Rat Pack,” volunteers to help in Mayor Eric Adams' crusade against rats.

Bryant Park is, in many ways, a model for the city that opened its arms to the first rat summit.

It's unclear whether other less monied parks let alone smaller cities can recreate its success.

The park is now down to about five burrows, with days, even weeks , pass before the staff sees a rat.