This Freakonomics Radio episode explores the complex relationship between humans and rats, focusing on New York City's rat problem. The episode features an interview with Kathy Corradi, New York City's "Rat Czar," who discusses the city's rat mitigation strategies and the challenges of urban rodent control. The discussion also delves into the history of rats, their role in spreading disease (particularly the Black Death, with debate on the extent of their culpability), and the varying cultural perceptions of rats globally. Experts challenge the common assumption that rats are solely responsible for the Black Death, suggesting human parasites played a more significant role. The episode concludes by considering the economic and psychological impacts of rats on city life and exploring alternative perspectives on the human-rat relationship.
