Residents of Normanby in Redcar and Cleveland, North Yorkshire, were left horrified after an enormous rat measuring 22 inches from nose to tail was discovered inside a home. The rodent, described as being “almost the size of a small cat,” was found by a pest control worker responding to a routine callout. What was initially an isolated incident quickly became a viral social media topic after local councillors shared photos online, drawing attention to a growing rat infestation problem across the region.The discovery has ignited a broader conversation among residents, who have reported increasingly frequent rat sightings in alleyways, around overflowing rubbish bins, on overgrown public land, and even crossing streets in broad daylight. The fact that such a massive rodent managed to find its way inside a home has amplified fears of a public health crisis.
22-inch rat found in UK home image goes viral, residents report more sightings
The shocking image of the oversized rat, carefully sealed inside a large plastic bag, was posted on Facebook by Eston Ward councillors David Taylor and Stephen Martin. They revealed that the rat was discovered during routine pest control work in the Normanby area.The Facebook post instantly caught attention, with horrified residents sharing their own experiences:One user described seeing two rats left dead on the street to rot. Another claimed to have spotted a rat “the size of a Jack Russell” drinking from a puddle. Others expressed disbelief, comparing the rodent to the size of their grown domestic cats.Comments ranged from disgust to fear, with one person writing, “That rat is bigger than my grown cat,” while another questioned, “Proper sewer rat that… must be something going down if they’re surfacing?”This surge of public reaction has revealed the scale of the issue and how unsettled residents feel about the worsening rodent population in their neighborhoods.
Why are rat sightings increasing
According to the councillors, several factors have contributed to the surge in rodent activity:
- Overflowing bins and improper waste disposal
- Overgrown public land and unmaintained council-owned plots
- Increased availability of food sources for pests
- Reduced domestic pest control intervention by local authorities
Two years ago, Redcar and Cleveland faced similar rodent issues but managed to control them through coordinated pest control measures. However, the councillors warn that the current situation is more severe because the council no longer handles domestic rat infestations. Instead, residents are now given advice and are required to hire private pest control services at their own expense.This shift has left many residents vulnerable, especially those who cannot afford costly pest control treatments, creating an ideal environment for rats to multiply unchecked.
Rising rodent sightings raise concerns over urban management
The councillors stressed that if the issue is left unaddressed, rats will continue to invade homes and public areas, putting the health and safety of the community at risk. They have urged immediate action, including:
- Clearing overgrown public plots
- Addressing waste collection and bin overflow issues
- Considering reinstating council-supported domestic pest control services
The discovery of the giant 22-inch rat is being seen as a wake-up call for local authorities. Residents are demanding proactive measures to prevent a potential full-scale rodent infestation and restore public confidence in local sanitation and safety. While isolated incidents of large rodents are not unheard of in urban areas, the Normanby case stands out due to the sheer size of the rat and the growing pattern of infestations across Redcar and Cleveland. For many residents, this incident has transformed what was once an occasional nuisance into a major community concern.The incident also raises questions about how urban environments and public health systems manage pest control responsibilities amid budget constraints and changing policies. Until decisive measures are implemented, locals fear that sightings of oversized rats could become even more common—potentially putting homes, businesses, and public health at risk.Also Read | Japan’s oldest living person Shigeko Kagawa becomes 114-year-old longevity icon after Miyoko Hiroyasu death
