The Big Apple's Big Problem: How Big Do NYC Rats REALLY Get?
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps... except maybe for those quick naps in the subway to avoid eye contact with... well, let's not get sidetracked. New York boasts world-class everything, from museums to pizza (though some Chicagoans might argue that point). But there's another kind of "world-class" New York is famous for: rats.
Yes, those furry (or sometimes not-so-furry) little guys that scurry through alleyways and sometimes, if you're unlucky enough, your dreams. But just how big are these urban myth-busters? Are they truly the pizza-stealing, subway-surfing behemoths of internet legend? Let's separate the Big Apple from the, well, big rat.
Not Quite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Size (Thank Goodness)
Fear not, fellow New Yorkers! While the internet might have you picturing rats the size of toddlers, the reality is a bit less terrifying (though still not exactly cuddle-worthy). The most common rat in NYC is the brown rat, also known as the Norway rat. These fellas typically grow to be around 16 inches long (including their tail) and weigh in at a hefty, but not-quite-a-pound, 12 ounces.
That's about the size of a loaf of bread. Not ideal for encountering in your kitchen at 3 am, but a far cry from the sewer-dwelling monsters of cinema.
But Hey, There's Always Room to Grow (Unfortunately)
Now, here's the thing about nature: it's unpredictable. And while most NYC rats stay within the realm of "slightly-larger-than-average-rat," there have been reports of some real whoppers. We're talking rats that could rival a small cat, tipping the scales at a whopping 2 pounds.
Shudder. Thankfully, these super-sized specimens are rare, but they serve as a reminder that New York's rats are nothing to mess with.
Pro Tip: If you encounter a rat the size of a small child, run. Seriously. That's not a normal rat, that's a potential horror movie star.
So, How Big Do They REALLY Get?
The truth is, it depends. Most NYC rats are on the larger side for their species, but not enormous. They're resourceful, resilient, and let's be honest, they've got access to a lot of garbage. So, while they won't be bench-pressing pigeons anytime soon, they can definitely hold their own in the urban jungle.
FAQ: NYC Rat Size Edition
How to avoid attracting rats in your home?
Keep things clean! Store food in sealed containers, take out the trash regularly, and seal up any cracks or holes in your walls.
How to tell if you have a rat problem?
Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, and (unfortunately) the occasional live sighting.
How to get rid of rats in your home?
There are traps, baits, and even ultrasonic repellents (though their effectiveness is debated). If all else fails, call a professional exterminator.
How to convince your roommate that the giant rat you saw wasn't just a figment of your imagination?
Take video evidence. Seriously.
How to live in peace with NYC rats?
Acceptance is key. They're part of the city's ecosystem (a not-so-glamorous part, but a part nonetheless). Just try to coexist peacefully... from a safe distance.
