BOSTON (CBS) – What started as an attempt to rescue two rats from becoming snake food has turned into a woman from Sandwich surrendering 71 rats to the MSPCA.

The woman, who is not being identified, told officials she had rescued the two rats from a pet store just a few months ago.

Those rats bred, and in a matter of three months, she had nearly six dozen of the animals.

The woman said she became overwhelmed trying to feed the growing number of hungry mouths and decided to turn them over to the MSPCA’s adoption center.

A woman turned over 71 rats to the MSPCA. (Photo from MSPCA)

The surrender comes barely a week after a Lawrence man surrendered 94 hamsters to the MSPCA, telling the adoption staff that he could no longer care for the animals.

“The timing is never ideal for a surrender of so many animals, but these rats all seem to be in good condition and we’ll feed and provide shelter for them for as long as it takes to get them into permanent homes,” said Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center Manager Alyssa Muro.