Part of the search-and-rescue effort was streamed live on Facebook. An official used peanut butter cookies his children made to lure the rats out, where they were captured in nets, according to the Larimer Humane Society. The rescue mission took approximately an hour, the Reporter-Herald noted.
More than 75 abandoned rats have been rescued by our Animal Protection and Control team from natural areas in Fort Collins. Our team is actively working to safely rescue the remaining rats. The cold weather we are experiencing is putting these animals in danger. If you have any information on this case please call our Animal Control team at 970-226-3647 ext 7. Never abandon an animal. If you are no longer able to care for an animal we are here to help.
Posted by Larimer Humane Society on Friday, December 22, 2017
We have rescued 60+ pet rats that were abandoned in natural areas in Fort Collins. The cold and local wildlife put these abandoned animals in danger. If you have any information on this case please call Animal Control at 970.226.3647 ext 7. pic.twitter.com/DTWb54oJg5
— Larimer Humane Society (@LarimerHumane) December 22, 2017
With temperatures dipping into the single digits, rescuing the rats was a priority. Officials say the rodents appeared to be in good shape, other than being cold and hungry.
In all, more than 80 rats were rescued, officials say. It is believed the rats were owned and abandoned by the same person. The owner could face animal cruelty charges, a humane society spokesperson said.
The rats will eventually be available for adoption, officials said.
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