Seaside town Tenby invaded by rats ‘as big as cats’
A colony of rats that some residents have claimed are ‘as big as cats’ have invaded a Welsh coastal resort.
Residents of the seaside town of Tenby on Wales’ west coast said they feared that the town could become overrun by the rodents, whose numbers have swelled significantly in recent months.
One resident told The Sun that they were “living in terror” of the giant rats, which have made their home on a huge hill overlooking Tenby’s beaches.
Residents have also raised fears that their presence in the cliffs are helping the erosion of some of the cliff faces in the town. Videos shared on social media have captured several of the rats running in and out of holes across the cliff edge.
Resident Derek Brown told The Sun: "It's the structural damage they might be doing to the cliff face that is the big problem.”
Tenby is one of Wales’ most popular seaside towns with two and a half million people visiting its award-winning beaches. And while it is usually seagulls that local officials have to worry about, the growing rat problem has become a concern for locals ahead of the tourist season.
Rapid production rate
Rats have a rapid production rate, with males reaching sexual maturity by six weeks and females as early as eight weeks. The gestation period is just 21 to 23 days, with an average litter consisting of between eight and eighteen babies.
To try and help stop the infestation problem, the council has now warned residents and tourists against feeding birds or dropping food waste.
A spokesman for the council told Wales Online earlier this month: “We are aware of issues with rodents and the need of additional baiting points, and are working to address this concern.
“We are using specialist staff to address the access to the cliff face: this may also allow us regular access for the future as well.
“In the meantime, we advise against anyone feeding the birds and dropping food waste - and in the first instance we are considering additional signage to reinforce this message.”
The Telegraph has contacted the council.
