The Rat Problem in New York City
New York City has long battled its notorious rat population, dating back to the 18th century when these brown rodents made their way onto the shores alongside ship freight. The rats have burrowed into the city’s narrative, so much so that they’ve been highlighted in pop culture, such as in the recent series "And Just Like That." However, a unique figure aims to demystify these critters and educate the public about their habits: Suzanne Reisman, the mastermind behind the Garbage & Rats in NYC walking tour. Dressed in faux rat ears and armed with plenty of surprising facts, Reisman guides her guests through some of the city’s most rat-infested areas, combining education with a touch of humor.
Guests on Reisman’s tour not only learn about the city’s sanitation history but also encounter unsettling facts about rat behavior. For example, she amusingly describes how rats indulge in dog waste, viewing it as a tasty snack. Since the tour’s inception in April, interest has surged, leading to sold-out experiences. Reisman noted a keen enthusiasm during recent events, including the Jane’s Walk festival, where she was surprised that attendees showed up even in rainy conditions. The tour, priced at $40, has become a peculiar yet intriguing way to engage with urban wildlife.
The tour delves into historical insights, such as the arrival of Norway rats on Hessian ships in the late 1700s. Reisman emphasizes how these rats flourished in an environment conducive to their survival, largely due to poor waste management practices. She recounts how garbage became a magnet for infestation, driven home by the fact that after the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike, the city ceased using proper garbage containers, providing a feast for the rats. The tour also engages guests with alarming stats about rat reproduction, explaining how their high fertility contributes to their overwhelming numbers—estimated at about 225,000 in the city.
Visitors have expressed a unique fascination with the grimy realities of New York, as highlighted by Caroline Murray, a local resident returning from Boston with her teenagers. Murray shared that the experience felt authentically "New York," away from typical tourist attractions. With first-hand encounters of live rats and gritty scenes, she encapsulated the odd appeal of the tour, even proclaiming that rats have obtained a sort of celebrity status, referencing the beloved "Pizza Rat" phenomenon.
The tour isn’t an isolated endeavor. Reisman is part of a larger movement, joining fellow guides like Kenny Bollwerk, who also leads rat tours and documents his experiences online. Bollwerk, dubbed “Rat Daddy,” has noted a dramatic rise in demand for these excursions, indicating a societal shift where curiosity about urban wildlife is blooming. Interestingly, this increased fascination has coincided with city efforts to combat the rat problem. Kathleen Corradi, the city’s “Rat Czar,” has initiated numerous campaigns, including the distribution of rat-proof containers and public education programs.
Reisman attributes the growing interest in rats partly to these anti-rat initiatives. The city has launched programs like a Rat Academy focused on teaching residents effective rat prevention methods. She herself is a graduate of this academy and plays an active role in addressing the rodent issue. Reisman believes that the city’s engagement with its residents about this problem is fostering a new openness and willingness to coexist with these critters. She underscores the most effective way to tackle the rat issue: reducing food sources by controlling litter and garbage disposal practices.
As New York City continues its duel with its furry inhabitants, a decreasing number of 311 rat complaints suggests that new trash management regulations are starting to make headway. Reisman acknowledges that while rats may always be part of the city’s fabric, they also serve as a reminder of the town’s complexities and waste management challenges. Ultimately, she sees rats as both nuisances and a quirky aspect of New York’s character, encapsulating the chaotic yet vibrant essence of the city. With quirky tours shedding light on these forgotten creatures of the urban jungle, the relationship between New Yorkers and their infamous rats is evolving—perhaps even to an understanding where these "little monsters" can be seen as oddly charming.
