Rats! More rodents are infesting cities as scientists say warmer temperatures mean more rat babies

A new study finds that rat infestation in many of the world’s cities appears to be soaring, especially in Washington. Friday’s study blames climate change, urbanization and other human actions. The first-of-its-kind research looks at trends and reasons in hard-to-count rat population changes based on rat sighting reports in 16 cities around the world. In 11 of those cities, rat complaints have increased. Washington is by far the leader in rat increases, followed by San Francisco, Toronto, New York City and Amsterdam. New Orleans, Tokyo and Louisville see fewer rat reports. A new study finds that rat infestation in many of the world’s cities appears to be soaring, especially in Washington. Friday’s study blames climate change, urbanization and other human actions. The first-of-its-kind research looks at trends and reasons in hard-to-count rat population changes based on rat sighting reports in 16 cities around the world. In 11 of those cities, rat complaints have increased. Washington is by far the leader in rat increases, followed by San Francisco, Toronto, New York City and Amsterdam. New Orleans, Tokyo and Louisville see fewer rat reports.  AP Technology and Science