This is one of those questions when asked to the local authority, You are likely, to get a "NO" answer. Now then, if one of those big rats attack you, that's a different subject. You have to be sensitive about your "living" environment/neighbors. I live in a small river town, know all my neighbors well and .22 cal. and pellet shots, are quite common. All is well, in the neighborhood. ......
With all due respect, are you sure these are City-Bred Rats rather than water-bred,
Muskrats ???
Be Safe !!!