World-record rat sighting reported in Sault. Michigan

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario isn't the only place experiencing rat problems.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario isn't the only place experiencing rat problems.

City officials in the Michigan Sault say it's most likely a case of misidentification or exaggeration, but a recent flurry of vermin calls included one of an alleged five-pound rat.

City Commissioner Dave Gonyeau told the Soo Evening News that if upheld, the report would be "way beyond the world record" for a rat.

"Brown rats, according to The World Book Encyclopedia, can weigh up to 16 ounces or one pound," the newspaper's Scott Brand reports.

"The brown rat, also known as the Norway rat, barn rat, gray rat, house rat or sewer rat are far and away the most likely to be seen in this area. Black rats only grow to approximately 10 ounces."

Other vermin sightings this year have come from the 900 block of Spruce and the 1100 block of Seymour.

To read the Soo Evening News article, please click here.