Potters Bar Forum

Has anybody else noticed the increase ,(well,more appearance of),of rats in Oakmere Park ?.
Last year notices went up in the park saying don't feed the ducks bread,one of the reasons cited was that it encouraged rats.Well the wife and I have been feeding the ducks there bread for about 20 years and we had never seen any sign of a rat.
But this year ....every time we go to the park we see rats,not just glimpses but the little sods are out in full view apparently not bothered by people at all.
Does anyone know if anything is being done about this?,(yes I know there are traps up by the house but I assume this is the restaurant trying to keep them out).
Is this the reason we don't have any mandarins anymore?,(I counted 4 males in September but no sign of any at all this year).

As far I can remember there has been rats there for years - I remember them scampering on logs on the 'island' at least 10 years ago. I suppose they must be able to swim.

It's a shame, they must eat birds eggs and have a generally negative effect on the area.

I am sure there are diseases that they carry which can be dangerous especially to young children who could be putting their hands in their mouths.

I was seriouslt shocked today when I saw a huge rat in Oakmere park.

It must have been at least twice the size of a 'normal' rat (and that's no exageration) - they must certainly be well fed!

It was by the side of the pond as I walked past, with some ducks. As it saw me it moved closer to the water but certainly didn't seem to mind me that much.