Fenton To Rats: Get Out Of Town

FENTON, Mich. (AP) - Some residents have stopped filling bird feeders. And now Fenton is spending $6,400 to address the problem.

What's the issue? Rats.

The city first told residents it was their responsibility. But after so many complaints, Fenton agreed last week to hire an exterminator, who set up 40 traps in the area of Hickory and Beach streets.

Building administrator Mike Reilly tells The Flint Journal that the city will "nip this in the bud."

The Genesee County Health Department says rodents can pose a threat but it doubts there's a high health risk.

John Lehman has lived for a decade on Hickory Street and had never seen a rat until catching 12 in recent months. He emptied his bird feeders to prevent them from getting a snack.