Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics Radio

622. Why Does Everyone Hate Rats?

February 14, 202541 min

0:0041:23

About this episode

New York City’s mayor calls them “public enemy number one.” History books say they caused the Black Death — although recent scientific evidence disputes that claim. So is the rat a scapegoat? And what does our rat hatred say about us? (Part one of a three-part series.) SOURCES:Bethany Brookshire, author of Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains.Kathy Corradi, director of rodent mitigation for New York City.Ed Glaeser, professor of economics at Harvard University.Nils Stenseth, professor of eco

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Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything — why is it safer to fly than drive, how do we decide whom to marry, and more.

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