The Louvre Museum's garden is overrun by rats. The beautiful garden, steps away from a museum filled with the most famous art pieces in the world, is experiencing a rat infestation so intense, the rats no longer fear humans, and walk about during the day.
The rats have been flocking to the garden because of the increased number of picnicking tourists. The picnickers leave their crumbs and garbage behind, essentially creating a constant feast for the rats.
The museum has turned to exterminators to rid themselves of the rat problem, but they aren't helping much, because there are other people visiting the garden who are digging up the rat poison. Jean-Claude Ndzana Ekani, a museum employee, told the Associated Press, that the rats are thriving because of "people who don't want us to kill animals."
Still, the Louvre is doing their best to combat the rats. They put poison into the rat holes, which Ekani described as a "shock operation." This operation has been going on since May, but the maintenance staff still reports seeing ten to fifteen rats per day.
Not surprisingly, tourists aren't taking to it too kindly. Because the rats walk around in broad daylight and don't fear humans, they have been scaring park visitors. The AP reported hearing a tourist scream upon seeing a rat.