A remarkable sight this morning unfolded in New York City as a dozen or so rats were caught on tape running wild through a KFC/Taco Bell today.

It seems that after local news stations heard about the rat sightings they flocked to the store to catch the rodents having their way around the restaurant. The rats were taped running between counters and tables and climbing on children's high chairs. Yikes, definitely not a good scene.

While today's rat race is definitely a disturbing event, it really shouldn't come as much of a surprise to the restaurant owners. Back in December when the store had a health inspection they were giving a passing grade but the inspectors noted at that time that there was evidence of rat droppings in the store.

The store has been closed until the store is completely re-sanitized and given a clean bill of health. According to a statement from KFC/Taco Bell construction in the basement on Thursday "temporarily escalated the situation."

Hmm... temporarily escalated the situation?? What is that all about? It makes me wonder what the normal rat situation is like for the restaurant.

The chains are owned by parent company Yum Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) which is trading down 0.7% to $60.64 down $0.42.

Michael Fowlkes has worked as a stock trader for seven years and spent the last two years working as an analyst for the online investment advisory service Investor's Observer.