A giant rat has been discovered in a home in Normanby, Teesside. The 22-inch-long rodent was found by a pest controller and is believed to be around three years old. While it’s not the largest rat ever recorded, its size is still impressive. To put it into perspective, it’s roughly the length of five tins of beans or longer than an average cat without its tail.
The discovery highlights the growing problem of rodents in the UK. Research shows that rising temperatures and urbanization are contributing to an increase in rat populations globally. In fact, 11 cities worldwide are experiencing significant increases in rat numbers, with some areas reporting a “perfect storm” of conditions that favor rodent growth.
Rats can have devastating effects on infrastructure, food supplies, and human health. They carry diseases such as salmonella and leptospirosis, which can cost billions of dollars to combat. Moreover, rats are highly fertile, mobile, and adaptable, making them difficult to control.
Efforts to manage rat populations include poisoning, trapping, and limiting food sources. However, these methods have limited success. Some cities, like New York City, are experimenting with rat birth control as a potential solution. The Normanby giant rat’s discovery serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against rodents in urban areas.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/04/the-yorkshire-mega-rat-a-22-inch-rodent-and-the-great-global-rat-crisis-of-2025