Rat bites in the United States are likely much more common than reported, as only the more severe incidents tend to receive notice. This indicates that many cases go unrecorded, reflecting a gap in awareness about the extent of this issue. Utilizing even the most conservative estimates, it's suggested that around fourteen thousand individuals experience rat attacks annually.

The work "At Home: A Short History of Private Life" by Bill Bryson sheds light on this concerning statistic. It emphasizes the need for greater recognition of the prevalence of these incidents to understand the potential health and safety risks posed by rats in urban environments.