NYC Rat Population Dented: Rats who had made a haven out of New York City subway stations have likely taken a hit.
Sam Miller, a spokesman for New York City's Health Department said that some of the city's substantial rat population likely drowned as floodwaters gushed inside subway tunnels.
"They are pretty good swimmers," he told the New York Times, "but they also drown, especially the young ones. The flooding kills them
in their burrows."
This means there was likely a "net reduction" in overall rat populations, Miller estimates.
The flooded subway tunnels also mean, however, that more of the rodents (dead and alive) are making appearances above ground and in clearer view than usual. Miller assured the New York Times that these animals don't pose a health risk.
"There's no demonstrated health risk from flushed-out rats," he said.
