New York City Appoints First 'Rat Czar' to Lead Comprehensive Plan Targeting Rodent Problem

New York City appointed Kathleen Corradi as its first director of rodent mitigation, known as the "rat czar" to address the city's rat issue.
Boston and Chicago, which also struggle with large rat populations, are looking to New York City as a model to combat their own rodent problems.
Experts say addressing systemic issues like sanitation, health, housing, and economic justice are key to controlling rat populations rather than just killing the rats themselves.
Rats have inhabited New York City since the 1700s and without a holistic strategy the problem will persist.
Controlling rats will require changing human habits and cleanliness in addition to mitigation efforts.