But I like bagpipes. Must mean I’m not a rat.

Tour bosses have come up with a way of frightening off rats on their trips round the historic drains of the Austrian capital Vienna – bagpipes.The Third Man tours – which walk the sewers made famous in Orson Welles’ cult film – were closed down after health and safety chiefs said the risk of rat bites was too great.Now they’re back on after organisers proved how the squeal of Scottish bagpipes from a kilted piper send the rats scurrying for cover.

via Quirky News | Orange UK.

Aren’t rats sacred some places in India? Apparently not here.

After disposing of 39,650 rodents, a man from Bangladesh has been crowned a rat-killing champion and has been awarded a 14-inch Sony color television for his efforts.

via Weird Asia News.

They’re baaaack…

The Pied Piper might be needed again in Hamelin – because the rats are back. An abandoned allotment site on the edge of the German town has become a haven for rats, reports the BBC.

According to legend, in 1284 Hamelin – called Hameln in Germany – was infested with rats but a Pied Piper lured them out of town by playing a pipe.

Next year the town plans to mark the 725th anniversary of the Pied Piper conquering the plague, with various events including a huge children’s procession.

via Pied Piper