New York City has long been known as the rat capital of the world. Estimates once put the rat population at over 30 million, or five per person, though recent figures suggest it is closer to three million. Sightings remain a regular occurrence.
Massive Rodent in a Shoe Shop
More than a decade ago, an enormous rat was discovered inside a Foot Locker shoe shop in The Bronx. A photograph of the dead rodent placed on a shovel showed its immense size. Experts believed it was a Gambian pouched rat, a species that can grow up to three feet long. A Brooklyn resident commented: 'They're here day and night. We don't dodge bullets. We dodge rats. They're so big, they should charge them rent.'
Viral Rat at a Theatre Bar
A giant rat was spotted scampering around a health inspection sign in the window of a Manhattan theatre and bar. The moment went viral on TikTok. After noticing its audience, the rat dropped from the window sill and disappeared into a plant pot below.
Bar Patrons Shocked by Kitten-Sized Rat
In 2023, drinkers at a New York bar got a shock when a rat the size of a kitten hopped onto the counter and ran its full length. Staff attempted to catch the animal with a bucket and a washing-up bowl. Footage showed the rodent scurrying over open food containers, napkins and cutlery, seemingly indifferent to the panic it caused.
Dog-Sized Rat Killed in New York
A few years ago, a rat described as the size of a small dog was killed in New York. A Facebook picture of the creature suggested it measured about four feet from nose to tail. At the time, it was thought to be the largest of its kind ever found anywhere in the world.
