ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — A six-month old girl remains in the hospital after deputies said a field rat started to eat the child in her cradle.

According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home on D and M Drive early Friday morning.

Authorities reported that the mother contacted 911 upon discovering the infant and her bassinet covered in blood. The deputies noted that there were bite marks on the child’s arms, head’s back, ears, and face.

The child was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital for her injuries; her condition is unknown at this time.

After investigators interviewed the parents, they learned that the baby’s twin brother had bite marks on his feet.

The parents admitted that rats have been a persistent problem in their home for several months, yet they continued to have their children stay there.

Deputies charged 24-year-old parents Akayla Bearden and Justin Bearden with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.

The Beardens’ three children are now in the custody of the Department of Social Services.

The case remains under investigation. Stay up to date with 7NEWS on the air and online as more information is made available.