A pest control expert was shocked when he came across a 22-inch sewer rat taking up residence in a rural home in Yorkshire.
This rodent may set a new record for size and is comparable to the common American badger, with witnesses claiming it looks like a small dog.
Pictures of this giant rat, recently found in a family's home in Normanby, Redcar and Cleveland, have quickly gone viral.
Two Conservative Party councillors have called for action to control the area's “overrun” rodent population.
David Taylor and Stephen Martin, both Conservative Party councillors, criticised Labour-run Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and called for a full pest investigation.
In a Facebook post, Mr Taylor described public bins in the Eston and Whale Hill areas as “overrun” with rats.
He noted: “She's almost like a little cat. And she's not the only one.”
“The longer this goes unaddressed, the worse the situation will become. We need action, not just recommendations.”
The rodent has been compared to a “sewer rat” and while it is unclear how it ended up in the area, rats have been spotted in the area.
They noted that overgrown vegetation on public lands can also provide shelter for such animals.
Mr Taylor said: “The longer this is ignored, the worse the problem will become. It is a growing threat.”
He added that the captured rat was “huge” and compared it to a small cat or dog.
Pest control experts told him that only the common sewer rat could reach such a size.
He said shooting the rats would cost “a fortune” but the population posed a health risk because they could carry diseases.
“They will continue to reproduce, and unless there is a mass cull in this area, people will continue to face this problem,” he said.
A council spokeswoman said: “The council has a dedicated pest officer who deals with pest issues on council land.”
“While we no longer offer a wide range of pest control services, we do provide advice to residents where possible.
“The Council continues to work with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water and other partners to address complex issues and identify potential solutions.
“Our website also has helpful tips and precautions to help people deal with pests.”
Sourse: metro.co.uk
