Rats "freely roam" Mexico City's prestige avenue

Rats recently became an unwelcome sight on Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma, the emblematic avenue hosting corporate offices and prestige hotels and flats. In parts of the avenue notably outside the Four Seasons Hotel by the Chapultepec park, this was blamed on unspecified locals leaving food on the pavement or stuck on trees, supposedly for the birds and squirrels, El Sol de México reported on 7 February. "That's what the rats eat," a local resident told the daily. Pockets of greenery, scarce and overflowing bins and the abundance of fast-food chains and eateries were other factors making this a desirable area for the critters. Another paper, Milenio, observed on their strolling about "in full daylight."

Mexican agents rescue dog from a ravine: he'd been chasing a squirrel

Up to seven Mexican Civil Protection agents rescued a pitbull from a ravine in Coyoacán in southern Mexico City, after it accidentally jumped in while chasing a squirrel, Excelsior reported on 3 February. The daily displayed the rescued dog, his delighted owner Brayan and the agents involved in the 20-minute operation. Brayan commented he had assumed his dog, named Jack, must have died, having fallen 25 metres, but called for help after he peered over the ravine and saw it waiting quietly. "He's usually very quiet but he does chase after squirrels," Brayan said.