Paris announces plans to fight rat scourge

PARIS, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The city of Paris is taking steps to reduce the number of rats on city streets, believing they are a potential health hazard and an eyesore, officials said Friday.

The city said it has already taken steps to reduce the rat population in city parks and streets. The continuing treatment will happen in several stages.

City officials said some treatments have already been deployed to various locations in and around Paris.

Several parks have been closed to the public to facilitate extermination efforts -- including one next to the Eiffel Tower.

It's unclear why more rats are appearing on the streets of Paris, a city well known for its beauty.

Rat traps have been previously placed around the city to catch some of the rodents, but they have not been sufficiently effective. As a result, the city is stepping up its efforts.

Several parks have been closed for extermination efforts, officials said, and others may follow.