The “Chicago rat hole,” an infamous sidewalk imprint, has gained attention for its intriguing backstory. Found on West Roscoe Street, this imprint gained popularity after a user named WinslowDumaine shared its image in January 2024. For approximately 20 years, the imprint has spurred fascination among locals and visitors alike.
Scientists Investigate Chicago’s “Rat Hole”
Renowned for attracting tourists, the site was affectionately dubbed “Splatatouille.” People even held weddings nearby before its removal in April. The slab now resides in the City Hall-County Building.
- Location: West Roscoe Street, Chicago, Illinois
- Popular since: Early 2000s
- Name: Originally “Chicago rat hole,” later “Splatatouille”
- Current location: City Hall-County Building
- Date of viral post: January 2024
Speculations abounded regarding the creature responsible for the imprint. While some suggested it was a local rat, others believed it might have survived the incident. A recent study published in *Biology Letters* sought to clarify these ambiguities.
Research Findings
A team of scientists analyzed anatomical features of the imprint and compared them to eight rodent species. Their investigations revealed that the imprint likely did not originate from a rat. They noted several key points:
- The forelimbs were overly elongated.
- The hindpaws and third digits were too long for a brown rat.
- More closely resembling larger rodents, such as Eastern grey squirrels and muskrats.
Given the high population of Eastern grey squirrels in Chicago, the researchers proposed renaming the imprint to the “Windy City Sidewalk Squirrel.”
Understanding the Animal’s Fate
The study also examined the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the animal. The impression suggests that it likely did not survive the fall. According to the researchers:
- No evidence indicates the animal walked away post-incident.
- It is plausible that a squirrel misjudged a leap or slipped from a branch.
- Long-term residents reported a nearby tree, increasing the likelihood of falls for tree squirrels.
Interestingly, Eastern grey squirrels are 4.5 times more likely to sustain injuries from falls in urban areas compared to their rural counterparts. The loss of the bushy tail’s detail in the impression may be attributed to the hair’s poor rigidity, as well as the concrete sidewalk’s inability to preserve fine biological textures.
This playful yet insightful study highlights the importance of curiosity and observation in scientific inquiry. The findings in the *Biology Letters* journal remind us that anyone can engage in the exploration of the natural world.
