From the Archive: On the Hunt for Rats

From the Archive: On the Hunt for Rats

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
Chicago officials have been dealing with some unexpected calls lately. Yesterday—for the second time this month—an alligator was spotted swimming in the Chicago River. Back in 2001, Charlie Wheelan headed out to learn about how city was dealing with a more common nuisance—rats. Before Al Sanchez was convicted of bribery and patronage, he was the Commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation – which put him at the head of the rat hunt. Charlie hit the streets with Sanchez and Josie Cruz, the then-general superintendent of rodent control. Here are some excerpts of that search.