Since the tragic story in Westwego, some residents have expressed concern for their own safety from rats.
One local expert is not exactly offering words of assurance.
In fact, Audubon Zoo Curator Rick Dietz was himself bitten by a rat as a youngster.
He says this type of rodent usually bites humans in self-defense, but if they're hungry enough, a defenseless human could be a target.
Dietz says says residents often forget that the metro area is situated in a swamp.
''Coyotes running up and down the river, we have nutria in our drainage canals, rats in our houses, we're in the middle of wildlife," Dietz said.
Listen to Rick Dietz talk about the rat situation in the metro area:
Diets says it's always good to stay on top of these things before they get out of hand.
"There are always going to be rats in the city, by the river like this,'' he said.
He advises residents to keep a clean home, free of leftover food left out, and says to make sure you don't have holes and cracks open to the rodents outside.
And he says if you do see rats in your home, it's best to call an exterminator.
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