Community Corner
Dupont Circle 'Rat Sanctuary' Gets Positive Reviews on Yelp
The area has become so infested with rats that locals are making jokes about it.

WASHINGTON, DC — Dupont Circle has a big rat problem. Huge rats can be seen all around in the evening hours, and now the Yelp community has taken to naming the area a "rat sanctuary." And they're giving it positive reviews.
As first noted by the Washingtonian, the Dupont Circle Rat Sanctuary currently enjoys a four-star rating out of a possible five stars with 40 reviews.
Reviewers have left numerous tongue-in-cheek comments talking about their rat sightings, most leaving positive ratings. A few are one-star reviews complaining about the rat problem.
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"Enjoy the lovely Dupont Circle fountain amongst our furry city companions as you read a book or dine on takeout from one of the many nearby restaurants," wrote Yelp user Damon B. on Sept. 8. "Share some of your takeout with a rat and they will be your friend for at least 30 terrifying seconds."
"Decent afternoon infestation...but the action really picks up at dusk!" added Jeff A. on Sept. 27. "Kid-friendly...open toe shoes not recommended."
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Even a "rat" chimed in: "This circle gets lit at night," wrote Rat S., who has a rat for a profile picture, on Sept. 27. "Have been coming here for quite some time, always a solid spread on the lawn. A bit of a human infestation, but I have been assured the park service is handling it. No better place in the DMV to cut the cheese. 5 stars."
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