Chicago’s Iconic “Rat Hole” Revealed as a Squirrel Impression
The famous “Chicago Rat Hole,” a quirky concrete impression that gained viral fame, is not what it seems. Researchers have concluded that the hole, initially believed to be made by a rat, was likely created by a squirrel. The study, published in the journal Biology Letters, reveals that this urban legend, which emerged from Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood, has a more amusing origin than previously thought.
The impression became a notable attraction in early 2024 when comedian and writer Winslow Dumaine tweeted about it, leading to an influx of visitors. People left behind coins, flowers, and even medication at the site, affectionately dubbed “Splatatouille” following a public naming contest. This unexpected attention transformed the hole into a local pilgrimage site, drawing curious crowds eager to see the whimsical shape.
Researchers investigated the impression due to its unusual preservation. Initially attributed to the common brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), the study highlights that no alternative hypotheses were tested before this identification. The team examined measurements from the impression against eight different rodent species, ultimately determining a striking 98.67% probability that the imprint originated from a squirrel.
From Rat to Squirrel: A Shift in Perception
The study points to a misclassification based on the commonality of rats in urban settings. The researchers noted, “While the taxonomic attribution of this imprint is not without validity… no alternative hypothesis testing was conducted to rule out other possibilities.” This oversight led to a cultural phenomenon that has now been redefined.
In April 2024, the Chicago Department of Transportation removed the impression from its original location, but wisely preserved it. The iconic piece of local folklore now resides at the City Hall-County Building, with a plaque commemorating its history placed at its former site by the Riot Fest Historical Society. The researchers involved hope their findings not only clarify the origin of the impression but also inspire curiosity and scientific exploration in the broader community.
The team emphasized that scientific inquiry is accessible to everyone. “While we acknowledge the playful spirit of this investigation, our broader aim is to highlight that scientific inquiry begins with curiosity and observation,” they stated. This message underscores the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can engage with and understand the natural world around them.
As the “Chicago Rat Hole” is rebranded to reflect its true origin, the city embraces a new mascot for its local softball team, which must now adapt its costume to feature a fluffier tail. This amusing twist serves as a reminder of how urban myths can evolve and how scientific inquiry can lead to unexpected revelations—one squirrel impression at a time.
