![Brown Rat](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/25075508/Rat-1024x683.jpg)
We know it’s technically the Year of the Rabbit, but let’s be honest, it seemed more like the Year of the Rat here in NYC.
With the city’s rat problem being the worst it’s been in decades, NYC is, how do we put this…getting rather creative in their ways of dealing with these abundant residents.
The NYC Department of Rodents just released a statement announcing a brand new ‘Adopt A Rat’ program launching this spring. People will be able to adopt a rat online at nyc.gov/adoptarat.com from the streets of NYC starting April 1, 2023.
Adopters will be able to name their rat and receive a short little profile about the rodent with its specific food preferences and areas of the city it frequents. Rat monitors will be assigned to rat populated areas in the city to collect such information. New Yorkers who participate in the program will also receive a rat plushie, and an official certificate of adoption with their rat’s name on it via mail.
![Rat adoption certificate](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/25075506/Blank_Ratificate.png)
According to Rodney Pest, NYC DOR Commissioner, “this new program will give New Yorkers the opportunity to interact with these pesky rodents in a more positive way than usual. As we work to alleviate the city’s rat problem (NYC just hired its very own ‘rat czar‘), at least we can make light of the situation through this adoption project.”
There are an estimated two million rats in NYC (1:4 rats to New Yorkers), so surely you could take one under your wing, so long as it’s not under your roof.
Whether you get one as a joke for a friend or you’re genuinely interested in owning a rat yourself, at least the program will provide a good laugh.
APRIL FOOLS!
Yeah, actually none of that is happening…THE RATS DON’T RUN THE CITY, WE DO!