Giant Rats Plague Small Town: 'Keep Doors and Windows Closed,' Residents Warned

Residents of a Swedish town have been told to take steps to protect themselves from attacks by giant rats.

Locals from the town of Sundsvall have been to keep their windows and doors closed, and local schoolchildren are being kept inside during breaks due to the infestation of the unusually large vermin.

"There aren't the normal rats you see in the forest. They're as big as cats," Benny Sagmo, from the city's planning office, told Swedish news agency TT.

Authorities said they are appealing to everyone in town to make sure they properly dispose of their food in secure bins so not to attract the rats.

A pest control team has already set up around 50 traps across the neighborhood in an attempt to catch the rats, with other options being considered if they are unsuccessful, reports The Local.

"If we don't put a stop to it, they can get bigger and bigger. But I know we'll stop it, whatever the cost," said Sagmo. "They've already spread out towards a residential area. Those who live there can't even have their front doors or balcony doors open. I've told pest control that we're going all in."

Elsewhere, children at the local preschool have been told they cannot take their naps or play outside due to the plague of rats.

"I decided that the children should sleep inside, because we can't risk rats jumping into the pushchairs," headteacher Mia Löfgren told SVT Västernorrland.

The children have also been told not to eat outside in case they drop food on the floor and attract the rats.

It is believed that the moving of a nearby private recycling center is responsible for the rise in the rodents after their habitat was destroyed.