Climate Change Fuels Urban Rat Populations Surge

A recent study published in Science Advances links the rise in urban rat populations to increasing temperatures driven by climate change. Researchers from the University of Richmond analyzed rat sightings and complaints in 16 global cities, finding that warmer winters and denser urban populations contribute significantly to rat population growth. Cities like Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Toronto, and Amsterdam have seen the most substantial increases, with Washington experiencing a 390% rise. The study suggests that even slight temperature increases can extend rats' foraging periods and reproductive cycles, leading to larger populations. In contrast, cities like Tokyo, Louisville, and New Orleans reported declines, partly due to effective local control measures. The findings highlight urgent needs for cities to develop dedicated rodent management strategies as rising temperatures continue to exacerbate the issue.