Brown rats have long been the bane of city-dwellers, infesting urban areas and causing disgust and frustration. However, new research suggests that these rodents have been the undisputed winners of the real rat race, out-competing their rodent rivals and establishing themselves as the dominant species in North American cities.
According to a study published in the journal Science Advances, brown rats arrived on the continent earlier than previously thought, before 1740, and quickly pushed aside the black rats that had likely arrived with Columbus. These larger and more aggressive rodents are known for their close proximity to human populations, making them a common sight in cities across the country.
The research, conducted by scientists who analyzed rodent bones excavated from archaeological sites, revealed that brown rats arrived in North America via shipping networks across the Atlantic Ocean, essentially using these routes as “rat superhighways.” They gained their earliest footholds in coastal shipping centers and quickly spread throughout the East Coast.
One of the reasons for their dominance is believed to be their voracious appetite, which led them to consume food that black rats would have otherwise eaten, reducing the reproduction of their competitors. This finding is supported by historical anecdotes describing the decline of black rats in cities in the 1830s.
Today, both black and brown rats coexist in North American cities, but brown rats are more prevalent. Cities like New York City have even hired a “rat czar” to address the growing rat problem. The biggest concern with these rodents is their ability to carry diseases such as leptospirosis, murine typhus, and salmonella.
Experts suggest that controlling the rat population starts with reducing food waste, as brown rats are particularly fond of animal products. Efforts to prevent rats from accessing food sources can help mitigate the rat infestation problem in urban areas.
While the presence of rats in cities may seem like an insurmountable issue, understanding the behavior and habits of these rodents can help cities better manage and control the pest population. By taking proactive measures to reduce food availability and implement pest control strategies, cities can work towards minimizing the impact of these ubiquitous creatures on urban environments.
