Current Events > 'Rat tours' boom in rodent-infested New York

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King_Rial 09/04/23 5:33:54 PM #1:	https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/04/new-york-city-rats-tourism Rat tourism become latest must-experience trend in city besieged by infestations that affect residents quality of life The Empire State Building. The Statue of Liberty. Central Park. Times Square. A horde of rats sprinting between an underground nest and a restaurant, squeaking and squealing as a group of tourists cheer them on. New York has never lacked for attractions, but that last one on the list is one of its most unexpected. As the city grapples with a major rat problem sightings doubled last year, prompting the mayor to advertise for a somewhat bloodthirsty head rat-catcher in December the rodent issue is, according to some, New Yorks latest must-experience trend. As visitors to New York demand rat action, some of the citys tour guides have started to add stops at notoriously infested sites, the New York Post reported this week. It means that rat tourism is fast becoming a boom industry. Kenny Bollwerk, who built a TikTok following by posting videos from around New York, stumbled upon being a rodent guide when he spent an hour or two live-streaming rats running around outside a building site in Sunnyside, Queens. I was like: Damn, this is bad, he said. People are walking by, theres rats running across peoples feet, theres piles of trash on the sidewalk. The response from his viewers was huge. Bollwerk, 36, said more than 10,000 people tuned in live to watch the rats. Bollwerk, who doesnt like rats, said his intention was to prod the city into coming and getting rid of the rodents. He put out a plea for people to complain to the citys 311 service, where individuals can complain about rat infestations, and it worked. We had probably 100 complaints in one night in this one spot, and the city ended up coming by and getting rid of the rats at the construction site. In the process, Bollwerk, who is originally from Missouri and moved to New York in 2019, had found himself an audience of rat enthusiasts. He was inundated with requests to film rats at locations across the city. He began going out filming rats from a safe distance three to five times a week, and soon was getting messages from tourists who wanted to join. Ive had a daughter and father, and a husband and wife come with me. Anything you can think of: business owners have come out looking with me. Thereve been people from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania; St Louis, Missouri; Oklahoma City; Vancouver, Canada; Los Angeles. Its crazy how much this brings people together. More than the tourism aspect, Bollwerk says his unusual new pastime is about trying to help people in the areas besieged by rodents. The fact that its bringing awareness to an issue, and its helping people in their neighborhoods I think thats why I keep going out and doing it. And Im meeting so many cool people through it that I would have never met. In the citys battle against the rats, there are some signs of hope. After a months-long surge New York finally appointed its rat czar in April this year. Kathleen Corradi was charged with getting a handle on public enemy number one, Mayor Eric Adams said as he announced the news, and reported rat sightings decreased by 15% in June compared to the year before, Gothamist reported, as the city strives to shed its reputation as a rat haven. The city has set up rat mitigation zones in rat-heavy areas, where officials identify areas with a large rat population and swoop in, armed with rat poison for the rodents and fines for any businesses or property owners who might be encouraging the rats to thrive. New rules have also been introduced, forcing restaurants to put their food waste into actual containers, rather than following the traditional New York practice of dumping garbage bags on the streets. New York City used to be known for our mean streets, but, going forward, were going to be known for our clean streets, Adams said in June. Despite the efforts of the rat czar and people like Bollwerk, there are plenty of rats still around. On Tuesday, when Bollwerk spoke to the Guardian, he had just received word of a new problematic rat spot in midtown Manhattan. It was a building site next to a Wendys, he said. He planned to go out that night to take a look for himself. Like most New Yorkers, however, he didnt want to get too close. Im scared of them. Any time one comes running at me I jump. I dont want them anywhere near me, Bollwerk said. --- I use Google... A lot.... >______> <cite>King_Rial posted [p:975859743] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/04/new-york-city-rats-tourismRat tourism become latest must-experience trend in city besieged by infestations that affect residents quality of life <quote>The Empire State Building. The Statue of Liberty. Central Park. Times Square. A horde of rats sprinting between an underground nest and a restaurant, squeaking and squealing as a group of tourists cheer them on.New York has never lacked for attractions, but that last one on the list is one of its most unexpected.As the city grapples with a major rat problem sightings doubled last year, prompting the mayor to advertise for a somewhat bloodthirsty head rat-catcher in December the rodent issue is, according to some, New Yorks latest must-experience trend.As visitors to New York demand rat action, some of the citys tour guides have started to add stops at notoriously infested sites, the New York Post reported this week.It means that rat tourism is fast becoming a boom industry. Kenny Bollwerk, who built a TikTok following by posting videos from around New York, stumbled upon being a rodent guide when he spent an hour or two live-streaming rats running around outside a building site in Sunnyside, Queens.I was like: Damn, this is bad, he said.People are walking by, theres rats running across peoples feet, theres piles of trash on the sidewalk.The response from his viewers was huge. Bollwerk, 36, said more than 10,000 people tuned in live to watch the rats. Bollwerk, who doesnt like rats, said his intention was to prod the city into coming and getting rid of the rodents. He put out a plea for people to complain to the citys 311 service, where individuals can complain about rat infestations, and it worked.We had probably 100 complaints in one night in this one spot, and the city ended up coming by and getting rid of the rats at the construction site.In the process, Bollwerk, who is originally from Missouri and moved to New York in 2019, had found himself an audience of rat enthusiasts. He was inundated with requests to film rats at locations across the city. He began going out filming rats from a safe distance three to five times a week, and soon was getting messages from tourists who wanted to join.Ive had a daughter and father, and a husband and wife come with me. Anything you can think of: business owners have come out looking with me. Thereve been people from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania; St Louis, Missouri; Oklahoma City; Vancouver, Canada; Los Angeles.Its crazy how much this brings people together.More than the tourism aspect, Bollwerk says his unusual new pastime is about trying to help people in the areas besieged by rodents.The fact that its bringing awareness to an issue, and its helping people in their neighborhoods I think thats why I keep going out and doing it. And Im meeting so many cool people through it that I would have never met.In the citys battle against the rats, there are some signs of hope. After a months-long surge New York finally appointed its rat czar in April this year. Kathleen Corradi was charged with getting a handle on public enemy number one, Mayor Eric Adams said as he announced the news, and reported rat sightings decreased by 15% in June compared to the year before, Gothamist reported, as the city strives to shed its reputation as a rat haven.The city has set up rat mitigation zones in rat-heavy areas, where officials identify areas with a large rat population and swoop in, armed with rat poison for the rodents and fines for any businesses or property owners who might be encouraging the rats to thrive.New rules have also been introduced, forcing restaurants to put their food waste into actual containers, rather than following the traditional New York practice of dumping garbage bags on the streets.New York City used to be known for our mean streets, but, going forward, were going to be known for our clean streets, Adams said in June.Despite the efforts of the rat czar and people like Bollwerk, there are plenty of rats still around. On Tuesday, when Bollwerk spoke to the Guardian, he had just received word of a new problematic rat spot in midtown Manhattan.It was a building site next to a Wendys, he said. He planned to go out that night to take a look for himself. Like most New Yorkers, however, he didnt want to get too close.Im scared of them. Any time one comes running at me I jump. I dont want them anywhere near me, Bollwerk said.</quote> </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
DumbQuestion 09/04/23 5:40:42 PM #2:	can introducing a massive wave of cats into NYC help curb the issue? <cite>DumbQuestion posted [p:975859876] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>can introducing a massive wave of cats into NYC help curb the issue?</quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
MedeaLysistrata 09/04/23 5:43:23 PM #3:	DumbQuestion posted... can introducing a massive wave of cats into NYC help curb the issue? A whole empire of cats yes --- updated 5/22/2023 https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/1568-100-presidents <cite>MedeaLysistrata posted [p:975859919] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>DumbQuestion posted... </cite><quote>can introducing a massive wave of cats into NYC help curb the issue?</quote>A whole empire of cats yes </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
KaZooo 09/04/23 5:44:06 PM #4:	New Yorkers can be real pieces of work. This is what they get. --- Competing every night, both ends, shoot inside/outside, fast break, transition, Monta Ellis have it all <cite>KaZooo posted [p:975859934] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>New Yorkers can be real pieces of work. This is what they get. </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
FolkenRawr 09/04/23 5:46:40 PM #5:	DumbQuestion posted... can introducing a massive wave of cats into NYC help curb the issue? I just rewatched A Dream of a Thousand Cats. I approve this plan and welcome our cat overlords. --- Cookin like a chef, I'm a 5 Star Michelin <cite>FolkenRawr posted [p:975859982] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>DumbQuestion posted... </cite><quote>can introducing a massive wave of cats into NYC help curb the issue?</quote>I just rewatched A Dream of a Thousand Cats. I approve this plan and welcome our cat overlords. </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
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cjsdowg 09/04/23 5:49:34 PM #7:	DumbQuestion posted... can introducing a massive wave of cats into NYC help curb the issue? When people are over run by cats, they can add foxes, to stop the cats. --- "Big Sweaty Otis" -Titus O'Neil <cite>cjsdowg posted [p:975860031] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>DumbQuestion posted... </cite><quote>can introducing a massive wave of cats into NYC help curb the issue?</quote>When people are over run by cats, they can add foxes, to stop the cats. </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
Ratchetrockon 09/04/23 5:52:50 PM #8:	Omg they can bring in hundreds of thousands of cats to New York. It could be like Instanbul!! Cute cats everywhere --- I'm a Taurus. Currently playing: Baldurs Gate 3, Carol Reed Mysteries series, & Spyro 3.5: Return to the Forgotten Realms He/Him <cite>Ratchetrockon posted [p:975860102] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>Omg they can bring in hundreds of thousands of cats to New York. It could be like Instanbul!! Cute cats everywhere </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
#9	Post #9 was unavailable or deleted.
Starks 09/04/23 5:54:19 PM #10:	Who needs a tour when you can just enter the nearest subway station --- Paid for by StarksPAC, a registered 501(c)(4) <cite>Starks posted [p:975860128] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>Who needs a tour when you can just enter the nearest subway station </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
boxoto 09/04/23 5:55:25 PM #11:	leave it to New Yorkers to hustle something like this --- Don't you agree, Zach? https://streamable.com/enq4r7 <cite>boxoto posted [p:975860149] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>leave it to New Yorkers to hustle something like this </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
mercurydude 09/04/23 6:06:08 PM #12:	New Yorkers have seen this before. It just means Rudy's back in town. https://youtu.be/4aKD6HAZFvg?t=40 --- God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes, 'cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose. - Everlast <cite>mercurydude posted [p:975860319] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>New Yorkers have seen this before. It just means Rudy's back in town. https://youtu.be/4aKD6HAZFvg?t=40 </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
Ratchetrockon 09/04/23 6:10:03 PM #13:	Guys I just looked this up and there are estimate 3m rats and 500k stray cats in NYC Wtf are cats doing? They are being lazy they should just wipe out the rats each one only has to eat like 6 of them --- I'm a Taurus. Currently playing: Baldurs Gate 3, Carol Reed Mysteries series, & Spyro 3.5: Return to the Forgotten Realms He/Him <cite>Ratchetrockon posted [p:975860386] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>Guys I just looked this up and there are estimate 3m rats and 500k stray cats in NYCWtf are cats doing? They are being lazy they should just wipe out the rats each one only has to eat like 6 of them </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
Alteres 09/04/23 6:20:20 PM #14:	Ratchetrockon posted... Guys I just looked this up and there are estimate 3m rats and 500k stray cats in NYC Wtf are cats doing? They are being lazy they should just wipe out the rats each one only has to eat like 6 of them Are those current numbers? It said reports had doubled from last year, and theyre like roaches you only see a fraction of em. --- ........the ghost in the machine... IGN: Fox, FC: 5344-2646-0982 <cite>Alteres posted [p:975860581] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>Ratchetrockon posted... </cite><quote>Guys I just looked this up and there are estimate 3m rats and 500k stray cats in NYCWtf are cats doing? They are being lazy they should just wipe out the rats each one only has to eat like 6 of them</quote>Are those current numbers?It said reports had doubled from last year, and theyre like roaches you only see a fraction of em. </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
Ratchetrockon 09/04/23 6:27:43 PM #15:	Alteres posted... Are those current numbers? It said reports had doubled from last year, and theyre like roaches you only see a fraction of em. Idk if they are current. But this also means cats are not having sex either . I know they can never close the gap cuz rats pregnancy period is shorter and they develop faster but still the cats can put more effort having sex and eating rats --- I'm a Taurus. Currently playing: Baldurs Gate 3, Carol Reed Mysteries series, & Spyro 3.5: Return to the Forgotten Realms He/Him <cite>Ratchetrockon posted [p:975860710] in 'Rat tours... [t:80555941]...</cite> <quote>Alteres posted... </cite><quote>Are those current numbers?It said reports had doubled from last year, and theyre like roaches you only see a fraction of em.</quote>Idk if they are current. But this also means cats are not having sex either . I know they can never close the gap cuz rats pregnancy period is shorter and they develop faster but still the cats can put more effort having sex and eating rats </quote> ... Copied to Clipboard!
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Current Events > 'Rat tours' boom in rodent-infested New York