Hurricane Irene Could Drive Subway Rats to Surface
08/26/2011
If you live anywhere along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine, you're probably making preparations for Hurricane Irene, which could turn out to be the worst storm the region has ever faced.
Undoubtedly, animals are going to be impacted by this historic storm. I've already gotten reports from conservationists in Florida of sea turtle nests that have been exposed by the storm's action, scattering unhatched eggs across the beaches. High winds and heavy, pelting rains will prove difficult for birds. Small terrestrial animals that cannot move quickly or long distances will suffer from the predicted flooding.
New York City rats could be forced above ground in mass numbers should Hurricane Irene flood the city.
There's one group of animals, however, that most people aren't going to feel much sympathy for during this hurricane: city rats. New York City is sitting right in the storm's path, and should the worst predictions come to pass, the city could experience significant flooding from the storm surge. If such flooding occurs, water will undoubtedly pour into the subway stations.
And if that happens, some are predicting that the robust subterranean population of rats that inhabit the subway tunnels could be forced above ground causing a bizarre plague of the rodents in the city's streets and buildings. Let's hope that the worst doesn't happen and that New Yorkers don't have to contend with a mass influx of rats on top of everything else they'll be dealing with as they weather Hurricane Irene.
Check out this video from Animal Planet's new series Rat Busters NYC to see what New York City residents are up against.
Find out the Top 10 myths about rats.
Photo from Rat Busters NYC website.
Comments
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That is discusting... new york and florida are plagued with the most horrible animals to walk the earth.
Posted by: toni marie | 08/27/2011 at 09:18 AM
Actually, rats are very intelligent and sweet animals. The wild ones are just trying to survive and have no where else to live but in the sewers.
Posted by: ShortShoes | 08/27/2011 at 09:33 AM
What's both disgusting and incredibly disturbing is how even Animal Planet treats rats as somehow unworthy of concern. I know I'm gonna sound old saying this, but back when I watched Animal Planet all the time, it was a channel for animal lovers, not for the kind of people that would enjoy watching a show about rat extermination. As ShortShoes pointed out, rats are extremely intelligent, loving animals...they're wonderful, and the wild ones are simply that; wild. Nothing wrong with them. They're not revolting, and they're not something to be squashed like ants. I feel horrible for those poor babies that could drown in this storm, and even worse for the ones that could be slaughtered for trying to escape the water. It's sick that we could treat other mammals with such blind contempt.
Posted by: Jennifer | 08/27/2011 at 12:11 PM
Theyre not bad creatures. People just think theyre bad because of the plague. Not give them a chance. Its typical people. im hoping these beauts stay safe along with all other animals ! Mother nature sure is on rampage !!
Posted by: animallover | 08/27/2011 at 01:24 PM
I have been in villages in SE Asia where rat is THE primary source of protein. Of course, there is a huge distinction between country rat and city rat from a cleanliness perspective. I tasted it. Didn't really turn me on. I'd take a steak any day.
Rats carry numerous diseases and do extremely well wherever humans dwell. Man and Rat have a long mutual history. One that won't end any time soon despite hurricanes. Oh. And why should mammals love each other? Since when are any mammals "kind"? The natural world is brutal. Men have taken that to an extreme.
Posted by: Mice_and_Men | 08/28/2011 at 12:13 AM
BTw People who thinks these little predators are cute animals are crazy.Yeah they are smart and that's the biggest problem because when they are in danger like this situation they will attack to death.They will eat anything they find on it's way,even you
Posted by: Alliyah | 08/28/2011 at 10:15 AM
My advise...use cats as natural predators for rats. N.York need learn with the work made by Amesterdan-Holland. This E.U. city have a boat in the canals only for the cats control the rats....
Posted by: Fatima Botelho | 08/29/2011 at 11:17 AM
She knew about the rats. She totally knew.
Posted by: iLeland | 08/31/2011 at 01:16 AM