Visitors surprised by rat sighting in famous part of Harrogate for tourism
A Harrogate resident has got in touch after spotting a large-sized rat in one of the town’s swishest visitor hotspots.
The Harrogate Advertiser reader, who wished to remain anonymous, spotted the rodent in the middle of the pavement on Montpellier Parade on Wednesday, April 29.
After looking twice in the bright evening sunshine, the quick-thinking resident took a few photographs to show it was a true sighting.
Before anything else could be ascertained, the rat scuttled off into a doorway away from the puzzled passers-by.
But it’s not the first time rodents have been spotted in unlikely parts of North Yorkshire in recent times.
In August 2025, a 22-inch rat, described as being the size of a small cat, was caught in a home in Normanby.
In early 2026 it was reported that Yorkshire as a whole was experiencing a 20% rise in rat activity - double the national average in the UK.
Experts attribute the rise to the warmest year on record in Britain in 2025, which lengthened the breeding seasons of rat populations in this country.
Heavy rainfall and flooding have also forced rats out of sewers and into homes and businesses.
In theory, rat control is the job of North Yorkshire Council.
For residential properties, the council charges approximately £120 for a rodent treatment.
Harrogate itself boasts several private pest control specialists who can, typically, charge from £127 to £280.