Watch CBS News

RATS! It's An Invasion In Manhattan!

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - New York City rat infestations are especially acute in Lower Manhattan, where many construction sites disturb their ancient underground nest, some dating back as far as the colonial era, as WCBS 880's John Metaxas reports from Fulton Street.

LISTEN: WCBS 880's John Metaxas reports

Carlos Vera says he sees the rats in the morning.

"Huge ones, very big ones," Vera says.

John Metaxas asked him, "How big?"

Vera answered: "Oh my G-d. They look like water rats, like little cats."

Metaxas then asked if there are more rats than there once were.

"Way much more. I've been living here for 19 years. I've never seen anything like this," said Vera.

The city cut back on its pest control workers four months ago, cutting the unit from 84 to 21 workers. Those cuts are being felt on the streets, where the rats seem to be running loose.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.