the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, we first reported her in 2019, the infamous “Rat Lady” is back — and according to local sources, her behavior is escalating. Reports from Ridgewood’s Central Business District indicate the same individual has resumed raiding dumpsters, scattering garbage, and allegedly feeding rats, sparking public health concerns and renewed frustration from area business owners.
Overnight Garbage Raids Continue
Multiple sources have confirmed that the same woman previously dubbed the “Rat Lady” has been rummaging through dumpsters under cover of darkness, tossing garbage across alleyways and parking areas. According to business owners, the nightly disturbances are creating a hazardous and unsanitary environment in the heart of the village.
Surveillance footage, first reported by The Ridgewood Blog in July 2019, captured a woman opening dumpsters along East Ridgewood Avenue, removing trash, and spreading refuse across the property. At the time, business owners documented the incidents as harassment and expressed concerns about increased rodent activity due to her behavior.
Health Hazards and Community Concerns
Business owners say the situation has worsened. With garbage being consistently tossed outside bins, rats are reportedly being attracted to the area — a nightmare scenario for restaurants, cafés, and retail stores trying to maintain cleanliness and customer trust.
“It’s not just about garbage — it’s about public safety and the reputation of our downtown,” one business owner said anonymously. “It’s hard enough dealing with foot traffic and parking issues — now we have to worry about rats too?”
Authorities Yet to Take Action?
Despite years of recurring complaints, it’s unclear whether any enforcement action has been taken. The individual has not been publicly identified, and no official charges have been filed in connection with the most recent incidents. Local merchants are now calling on Ridgewood Village officials and law enforcement to step in before the problem grows — quite literally — into a rodent infestation.
What’s Next for Ridgewood’s Business District?
With tourism season and warmer weather approaching, the community fears that unsanitary conditions could drive customers away from local businesses. Some merchants have reportedly taken matters into their own hands by locking dumpsters and installing additional security cameras — but they say it’s not enough.
“This has been going on for far too long,” one local store owner said. “We need a real solution — and we need it now.”
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Well if you haven’t learned by now elections have consequencess! Ridgewood ain’t what she used to be. It’s becoming an embarrassment. And this council is slowing turning it into the Kolkata of Bergen!
This is NOT good news for the Performing Arts Center Paulie promised.
Bird feeders are a higher priority.
She will be the first tenant for the new historic bus terminal and bathrooms in the CBD
Give her a break. At least she’s not vandalizing Teslas.
What has happened to Ridgewood is really sad. Maybe the sports people can donate money to find her a place to live.
They could set her up under the old NJRT bridge.
Then rich and stupid parents could use her as a disciplinary threat.
“If you don’t behave, the rat lady who lives under the bridge will come out at night and…………………………………………”
Why don’t the town help her. Maybe she’s hungry. Can you imagine how much all these restaurants throw out every night.
Yeah, that’s why she’s going through the trash in the CBD. If there’s food then she’ll definitely find it. No one needs to actively feed her. What are the restaurants supposed to do, adopt her? She’s not a feral pet, for crissakes.
Also, a Rat Lady ate me baby.
anyone aware of mental disorder or illnesses?? sounds like this person needs professional help????/
no one should be going through garbage cans eating food that was discarded
sad
Totally agree. Rather than making fun of her situation, how about the authorities getting her the psychological help she may need along with housing? Where is the compassion or empathy for the homeless?
Called RW PD last year when I witnessed Rat Lady doing this in broad daylight, and also when Insaw her inhabiting a retailer’s doorway (not Greek To Me, obviously) one evening. Was told dismissively “she isn’t doing anything wrong”.
Rat Lady….. I LOVE that band.