Residents in a Mount Vernon neighborhood say they have had enough of rats affecting their everyday lives.

Neighbors on Franklin Avenue say the rats are big and very aggressive.

Caroline Diaz says she's had frequent encounters with rats while she throws out her trash -- some running up walls and jumping out at her.

Diaz says her family used to have plenty of outdoor fun in the area, but now they are afraid to even walk on the sidewalk.

Mount Vernon Building Commissioner Daniel Jones says he is stunned to see the extent of the problem and has never seen this aggressive of an attack by rats.

Jones says the city's effort to rid rats from private property may be forcing them to live on the streets. After seeing the issue firsthand, he says he wants to address it immediately.

Jones says he plans to reach out ot the mayor to work on a plan.