NYC Officials Assist Man Filmed Eating Dead Rat

Help for Man Caught Eating Dead Rat in NYC

​New York City officials are actively working to assist a man filmed eating a dead rat on a Bronx sidewalk, expressing concern for his health. The incident, captured on video by an eyewitness, shows the man consuming pieces of the rodent while seated on the pavement.

Kathleen Corradi, NYC’s Director of Rodent Mitigation, highlighted the health risks associated with such behavior, noting that rats can carry harmful pathogens and ectoparasites that may cause diseases and skin infestations. She advised the public to avoid contact with rats and their waste, and to use protective equipment when handling dead rodents.

City officials are collaborating with the Health Department to locate and offer assistance to the unidentified man, aiming to address potential health concerns before they escalate. ​

This incident underscores ongoing challenges with urban rodent populations in NYC. In January, Barzini’s, a beloved Upper West Side grocery store, was closed due to severe vermin infestations and health violations, including the presence of dead and live rats.

Efforts to manage the city’s rat problem have included initiatives like Flaco’s Law, which employs birth control pellets in rat traps to control reproduction without relying on poisons. Additionally, the first National Urban Rat Summit was held in NYC, bringing together experts to discuss effective pest control strategies.