Wicker Park Neighbors Fight Atrocious Rat Problem In Dean Park. So Far, The Rats Are Winning

Residents of Wicker Park are battling a significant rat infestation in Dean Park, with Joe Gutstadt and Michael Schorsch leading the charge against the rodents. Gutstadt has filed numerous complaints with the city, and Schorsch has tried trapping and administering rat birth control, but the problem persists. Despite the city’s recent efforts to bait the area with poison, residents continue to witness rats digging new holes. The rat presence raises concerns about public health, particularly regarding diseases such as hantavirus that can be transmitted through rodent droppings. Gutstadt has taken to social media, creating the “Rats of Wicker Park” Instagram account to document the situation.

Schorsch recalls a past incident where rats chewed through his car wiring, costing him $900 in repairs. The ongoing struggle reflects broader issues of urban living in Chicago, which has been labeled the "rattiest city in America" for a decade. City officials, including Ald. Daniel La Spata, are working to improve sanitary conditions in the area but face significant challenges.