A new study associated the largest number of rats with several factors, the main one is the increase in temperatures
Researchers say that this “infestation” can be scientifically explained. Several causes have been pointed out, but the main one is the increase in temperatures caused by climate change.
The rats population has increased in large cities
- At work, scientists analyzed data from 13 of the largest cities in the United States, as well as Toronto (Canada), Tokyo (Japan) and Amsterdam (Netherlands).
- This information included observations of rats, capture and inspection reports for the last 12 years, on average.
- The results revealed “significant increase” in the number of animals in 11 of the cities analyzed.
- Washington DC, San Francisco, Toronto, New York and Amsterdam presented the worst stages, while only three (New Orleans, Louisville and Tokyo) reduced the number of rodents.
- The research associated the increase in rats with various factors, including high population densities and low urban vegetation, but the main influence was the increase in temperatures.
- The conclusions were described in a study published in the journal Science Advances.
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Heat increases the activity of animals
Scientists say that rats are small mammals and do not like cold. Higher temperatures allow these animals to spend more time looking for food and reproduce, which generates a significant increase in the population.
This means that a warmer and longer climate, due to climate change, offers ways to proliferate rodents. Under these conditions, even these creatures can more easily detect food and garbage.
Researchers warn that various problems are related to the increase in rats populations. Animals cause estimated damage of $ 27 billion each year in the United States, as well as representing severe human health risks and more than 50 diseases are associated. There is also increasing evidence that rodents have “significant impacts on mental health” of people living around them.
