A massive rat, measuring over 22 inches long from nose to tail, was discovered inside a residence in North Yorkshire, England, prompting local officials to sound the alarm on a growing rodent problem in the area.
Eston Ward Councilors David Taylor and Stephen Martin shared a photo of the enormous rodent on Facebook, describing it as “almost the size of a small cat.”
The councilors warned that the sighting was not an isolated incident, stating that rats are being spotted more frequently in the area.
The rodent was found by a pest control worker and is reportedly not the first time the area has experienced a rodent problem.
According to the councilors, effective measures were taken to address the issue two years ago, but the rats have returned in even greater numbers.
The councilors have shared photos of “rat holes” in a local community, highlighting the extent of the problem.
They are urging action to be taken to address the issue, stating that “the longer this is ignored, the worse it will get.”
The Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which oversees the affected districts, has been approached for comment but did not respond immediately.
The Wildlife Trust notes that the U.K.’s brown rat is an “incredibly adaptable” animal that can be found almost everywhere in the country, particularly around towns and cities, where they dig their own burrows.