River rat population booming at Clinton; Officials blame people feeding birds

CLINTON, Iowa (AP) - Clinton's birds will not be as well fed as they have been in the past now that the city has posted signs along the riverfront warning people not to lay out bird feed.

City officials say the are discouraging the practice because it has resulted in an increase in the rat population.

The problem came to the city's attention when several boaters noted the rat population was booming.

Public Works Director Gary Schellhorn says when people feed the birds, scraps get beneath the rocks, where rats live. He also noted birds are making a mess of the docks that workers at the marina have to clean up.

Schellhorn it is hoped keeping food scarce along the riverfront will force the birds to go elsewhere.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.