California Drought Causes Rat Problem at San Francisco Park

California's severe drought apparently has created a rat problem at San Francisco's Heron Head Park.

Many park visitors report seeing rats running around during the day.

Tina O'Keefe of Dirty Rats Rodent Removal said the drought is driving rats out from hiding underground.

"There's no water source for them right now so they're going outside to get it," O'Keefe said. "They eat plants. They eat meat. They're going to the dog park because there are water bowls. They're going to horse stables because there's water."

O'Keefe has been busy and said calls for services have come from all over the Bay Area.

The Port of San Francisco plans to get rodent-proof garbage cans at Heron Head Park and is working with a no-poison exterminator to try and control the health hazard.

Erik Auerbach, a frequent park visitor, hopes the rat problem will be addressed soon.

"We do come out here with food," he said. "It's gross if I'm giving treats and see a rat scurrying by out there."

But with no end to the drought in sight, experts said rats all over the Bay Area will be out.

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