"Small rodents like squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats, and mice) and lagomorphs including rabbits and hares are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans."

http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/animals/other.html

Hope they don't get in the school

I submitted this same issue over two weeks ago with no reply. Sad to show off our community this way.

We have witnessed rats on several occasions. However, last night the rats were walking among the parents watching the game and kept scurrying into the dug outs where the children were seated. These rats had no fear at all! Very disconcerting.

I guess it is not a priority if it was reported 2 weeks ago and still nothing done. . God forbid a small child gets bitten by a rat. These critters were not afraid of anyone and were coming in the dugout.

Thank you for reporting this rodent issue. The Health Department will investigate your report and take appropriate action to address it. You can help the City deter rodent infestation by maintaining private property to eliminate harborage opportunities and by not placing bird food, bread, or other food on the ground and storing trash in tightly covered bins. Additionally, City regulations prohibit trash from being placed curbside before 6:00 a.m. on the day of pick-up unless it is in a covered trash barrel; placing trash bags curbside when not in a barrel can attract rodents.

Please be assured The Board of Health did not receive this complaint at any point over the past few weeks. We will do a thorough inspection and ensure we take every measure necessary to eradicate the problem.
You may contact me with any specific information you have that may assist in our efforts.

This is Richard Marino, interim Director of Public Health. Be advised that rats who approach humans may have been fed in the past by a person! This behavior in rats is dangerous because they may view humans as feeders. Please call 781-393-2560 with specific part of Columbus Park such as which dugout or both, where they came from, where they ran to, were sizes mixed, approximate number of rats, etc. Please leave a contact number if you are an eyewitness. The more information we have the better we can perform. All cooperation is appreciated.

Two words: sunflower seeds.

The game time snack of most little leaguers.

Update from August 12, 2016. Burrows have been located by inspection after supplementary information from one of the parents. Athletes and parents are requested to keep all sunflower seeds and shells contained until disposed. Sunflower seeds and shells are very potent attractants for rats.

New barrels and extermination by City will complete the abatement.

Thank you for reporting this issue. This would never have been discovered without your report and supplementary information.

All of the food (among other garbage) the baseball and softball spectators throw on the ground during games probably attracts the rats. Encouraging other parent spectators to use one of the at least six available garbage cans during and after games may go a long way to quell the rat problem.

Thank you for reporting this issue to us. We are pleased to report back to you that this issue is now resolved.