New York City's Mice Evolve Against Common Poisons, Rutgers Study Finds
Rutgers researchers analyzing rodent samples from New York City, the Washington, D.C. area, New Jersey and Philadelphia found that about 70% of mouse populations carry genetic mutations linked to resistance to commonly used rodenticides, suggesting rapid evolution that could undermine extermination efforts; while rats are adapting too, the study urges cities to shift toward prevention and sanitation (reducing food sources and improving trash management) and notes that developing new pesticides would take years, underscoring the need to preserve the effectiveness of existing products.