The phenomenon of rat and rodent proliferation has worsened in New York City, to the extent that tour guides are now offering "tourist programs" to visit the worst infested areas with these disgusting creatures. The Daily Mail reported that "rat tourism" is the latest attraction launched in the Big Apple, as some have decided to take advantage of this disease-spreading invasion by conducting tours in neighborhoods, Central Park, and the subway near Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and Chinatown, which are experiencing significant rodent outbreaks.
At the same time, the "RatTok" channel on TikTok is conducting tours across the city to showcase the number of rats living alongside New Yorkers. City leaders have been trying to control rodent populations for generations, with varying results, but sightings of rats in parks, sidewalks, and other areas of the city have increased steadily since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of former Department of Education employee Kathleen Corradi as the first official with broad powers to combat rats in the city, as part of his efforts to tackle the growing rodent population.
