Huge rat seen swinging from tree as infestation leaves locals 'scared to sleep'

01 November 2023 , 14:34

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The large rat has been seen swinging from a tree (Image: supplied)

A local had been left shocked after spotting a large rat swinging from a tree.

The resident, who was out for a walk in Leith, Edinburgh, saw the brown rat hanging from a branch and munching on birdseed. Pictures showed the cheeky rodent using its tail to hang from a tree. It was seen grabbing a bird feeder with its front paws for a quick snack. The shocked local expressed her concern about the increasing number of rats she has been seeing recently. She believes that bird feeders and seeds left out are attracting these pests.

She told Edinburgh Live that while some people in Leith don't seem too bothered by the 'rat population', she finds their constant presence worrying. This follows reports from nearby residents who said they're 'scared to sleep at night' due to a rat infestation in the northwest of the capital. Residents in three areas in Granton have reported a recent surge in rat sightings.

They've been spotted on the streets, in bin stores and even inside some flats. In October, Granton resident Alexandru Tiron said: "People have said they are taking their dogs outside and there are rats everywhere - hundreds of them. It looks like such a big problem that we don't know how it can be resolved but we have spoken with our property management company and the concierge about the issue."

The property's factor, James Gibb, confirmed a team will look into the issue.

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Katie Williams