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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Rats Plague Pied Piper City

Infestation threatens to spoil anniversary

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(Newser) – The 725th anniversary of the Pied Piper's legendary removal of rats from the German town of Hamelin could be spoiled by—wait for it—rats. The rodents have infested an empty lot the size of a soccer field close to the picturesque medieval town. Rather than hire another piper, authorities have placed traps around the field.  

The rat population has "exploded" and threatens to spread to nearby homes, said a town spokesman. "We need to deal with the rats directly on the spot," he said. "We hope that within weeks we'll have removed this threat."

The medieval town center of Hamelin, Germany. Plans to celebrate the legend of the Pied Piper are being overshadowed by a new plague of rats.
The medieval town center of Hamelin, Germany. Plans to celebrate the legend of the Pied Piper are being overshadowed by a new plague of rats.   (Hamelin official website)
The town of Hamelin, Germany, famously dealt with one plague of rats in 1284. Now they face another.
The town of Hamelin, Germany, famously dealt with one plague of rats in 1284. Now they face another.
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We need to deal with the rats directly on the spot. There is no rat problem in the town center and we hope that within weeks we'll have removed this threat. - Hamelin spokesman Thomas Wahmes

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3 comments
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petepenguin
Nov 21, 08 10:43 AM CST
I don't believe they should negotiate with the rats. That would recognize their cause.No face to face meetings with these rats until they renounce their terrorist ways. Reply
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radnip
Nov 22, 08 5:38 AM CST
Sounds like kitty time. Reply
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Shannonals
Dec 3, 08 3:27 PM CST
Perhaps if they cleaned up the place they wouldn't have rats. Reply
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