Rat Expert From Chico Dies From Flu

CHICO, CA -- Debbie Ducommun, the rat expert who raised hundreds of rodents on her own, died last Sunday. Chico Enterprise-Record reported Ducommun died from complications related to the flu.

Ducommun has made national headlines for her love and devotion to rats. She also founded the Rat Fan Club in 2002. On Facebook, the group had more than 43,000 members, who said they often looked to Ducommun for advice on how to care for their pets.

In a 2004 interview with the television show, "Totally obsessed," Ducommun said she became infatuated with rats at the age of 10. Over the years, she took in homeless rats to care for as her own.

"Rats are my life," Ducommun told the television show. "I am devoted to rats. Like a mom with too many kids, I get their names mixed up."

Ducommun is seen kissing the rats and encouraging them to do tricks on the television show. She told the host she didn't mind if they ruined her furniture or belongings with their constant chewing.

Ducommun, who graduated from Cal State Chico, worked in the animal care industry since 1977, according to the fan club website.

Members of the Facebook group mourned the loss of Ducommun. Many people wrote that she helped them raise their rats, while others said she will be missed.

"Our rat world will never be the same," one person wrote.

Ducommun is survived by her husband Larry, her mother, sister and brothers, many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces.

--Photo via YouTube screenshot

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