Huge Rat Discovered, 3-Year-Old Maced, Bear Spotted | News Nearby

Patch has 32 sites in communities in Va. and D.C. Here are some of the top posts from the past week.

Massive Rat Discovered In DC (Photo)

WASHINGTON, DC -- If you hate the sight of a huge, dead rat, turn back now. Someone in the Columbia Heights neighborhood managed to slay this beast recently, and it is causing jaws to drop on social media.

3-Year-Old Maced By Cops, Family Claims: Report

A local 3-year-old girl had to spend the night in the hospital after being maced during an altercation with police, her family claims according to a report.

Bear Lounges In Virginia Backyard (Video)

A bear has been captured on video lounging about in our area, as fascinated homeowners watch from inside. And it's not the first sighting in Northern Virginia this week.

Giant Panda Shows Signs Of Pregnancy At National Zoo

WASHINGTON, DC — The panda house at the National Zoo is temporarily closed t0 keep things quiet around giant panda Mei Xiang, who may have a cub on the way. Zookeepers said they're not able to confirm if 19-year-old Mei Xiang is pregnant yet, but they're watching her 24 hours a day to look for signs.

Other headlines:

Body Found In Springfield Could Be Missing Teen
Amazon Prime Members Get Deals At VA, DC Whole Foods On June 27
Fistfight Hospitalizes 1 At Falls Church Restaurant
Red Hen Tormented By Misinformed Twitter Users
Real Story On Virginia Restaurant That Tossed Sarah Sanders
Man Charged In Fatal Reston Pedestrian Crash: Police
Man Assaults Woman Holding Baby In Manassas: Police
Man Without Pants Performs Sex Act Outside Sterling Store: Police **
Armed Robber Caught After High-Speed Chase In Stafford: Police
Woman Assaulted During Massage At McLean Spa: Police
Del Ray Music Festival: Guide To Performances, Road Closures

(Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)