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Rats seen running around Cadwallader Middle School campus

Posted at 6:55 PM, Nov 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-30 21:59:48-05

About a month before Christmas and there are creatures stirring at Cadwallader Middle School near Elkhorn and Buffalo.

According to school officials, reports of rats have been roaming around campus.
"It is very concerning, it is disgusting, it us unhealthy, it is obviously a hygiene and cleanliness problem," said parent Tonya Heine.

Clark County School District officials tell Contact 13, inspections of the school kitchen and snack store did not show signs of rodents, but they are working an aggressive plan to rid other areas of the schools of rats.

"I would want it resolved right away, like I said bites, disease, sickness, I don't want my son getting sick or bitten," said parent Jeff Slater.

Contact 13 has learned Southern Nevada Health District inspectors were on campus Thursday to document the situation.

A spokesperson says the school district self-reported the issue on Wednesday.

"I am surprised, I didn't think this was an issue in Las Vegas," added Slater.

Rats have made headlines around the country for their recent ingenuity and viral videos, such as the New York subway pizza rat of 2015.
In this case, some parents are grossed out and not entertained.

Contact 13 obtained a note sent home to parents explaining no one has been injured by the rodents and class time will continue without interruption.

A Clark County School District Spokesperson released the following statement regarding the situation:

“Cadwallader Middle School staff has taken a proactive approach to the matter and have self-reported the issue with appropriate agencies. A survey of the school snack store and kitchen did not reveal evidence of rodent presence.

 

“An integrated pest management program is being created to address the matter.

 

“Additionally, the school has communicated the matter with its community and the school has not had any parents report concerns about this matter to administration.”

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