### Chicago's 'Rat Hole' Mystery: A Squirrelly Revelation The infamous "rat hole" in Chicago, a sidewalk imprint that gained viral fame, has been the subject of much speculation regarding its true origin. Recent research has concluded that this peculiar landmark, which many assumed was created by a rat, was likely made by a different rodent altogether. This finding not only debunks a long-held belief but also highlights the fascinating interplay between urban wildlife and human perception. ### Unraveling the Mystery: The Research Hypothesis 1. **Origin of the Imprint**: The study suggests that the "rat hole" was not made by a rat but rather by a squirrel or muskrat. Researchers analyzed the anatomical dimensions of the imprint to reach this conclusion [https://apnews.com/article/chicago-rat-hole-study-squirrel-researchers-4a0931f965a0fc5241ea95af2b09859b]. 2. **Historical Context**: The imprint, located in Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood, dates back 20 to 30 years and became a local attraction after being highlighted on social media in 2024 [https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/15/us/chicago-rat-hole-study-squirrel-hnk]. 3. **Scientific Methodology**: The research team from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, examined 37 different rodent species to identify the likely creator of the imprint, ultimately ruling out rats [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/15/chicago-rat-hole-probably-squirrel-say-researchers]. ### Evidence Supporting the Findings - **Imprint Analysis**: The study published in the journal Biology Letters provided detailed measurements of the imprint, which closely resembled that of a squirrel or muskrat rather than a rat [https://www.usatoday.com/story/pets-animals/wildlife/2025/10/16/chicago-rat-hole-squirrel-study/86721008007]. - **Cultural Impact**: The "rat hole" became a beloved local attraction, dubbed "Splatatouille," after comedian Winslow Dumaine's tweet brought it into the spotlight [https://abcnews.go.com/US/chicagos-famous-splatatouille-rat-hole-isnt-rat-after/story?id=126549371]. - **Public Perception**: The misconception surrounding the hole's origin reflects broader themes in urban wildlife interactions, where animals often receive blame for human-created problems [https://www.mentalfloss.com/animals/chicago-rat-hole-may-be-squirrel]. ### Conclusion: A Squirrelly Twist in Urban Lore In summary, the investigation into Chicago's "rat hole" has revealed that **the true creator is likely a squirrel or muskrat, not a rat**. This finding not only clarifies the origin of a quirky urban landmark but also emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry in dispelling myths. 1. **Research Findings**: The imprint was scientifically analyzed, leading to the conclusion that it was made by a different rodent [https://www.livescience.com/animals/land-mammals/the-viral-chicago-rat-hole-wasnt-actually-made-by-a-rat-scientists-claim]. 2. **Cultural Significance**: The "rat hole" has become a symbol of urban wildlife and the misconceptions that often accompany it [https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-rat-hole-squirrel]. 3. **Future Implications**: This case serves as a reminder of the need for accurate information regarding urban wildlife, which can help foster better coexistence between humans and animals [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/chicagos-rat-hole-sidewalk-landmark-was-likely-made-squirrel-muskrat-r-rcna237930].