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A recent study challenges the long-held belief about the origin of the viral 'rat hole' in Chicago, suggesting an eastern grey squirrel was the more probable culprit. This finding highlights the complexities of interpreting biological traces
Scientists from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have concluded that the famous 'rat hole' imprint in Chicago's pavement was most likely created by an eastern grey squirrel, not a brown rat as widely assumed. The study, published on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in the journal *Biology Letters*, used paleontological tools to analyse the decades-old impression.
Dr. Michael Granatosky, an evolutionary biomechanist and the lead author of the study, stated that the evidence strongly supports the eastern grey squirrel as the animal responsible for the imprint.
The unusual imprint, publicly named 'Splatatouille,' gained significant global attention after a comedian shared a photo of it on social media in early 2024. While the imprint was thought to have been made decades ago on West Roscoe Street, it was removed later in 2024 by city officials due to pavement damage.
The long-standing debate over whether the victim was a brown rat or another animal has now been addressed through scientific inquiry.
While this specific case is an urban curiosity, the study's methodology underscores the importance of scientific rigor in identifying species, a practice crucial for wildlife management and conservation policies in Kenya. For instance, in Nairobi, which boasts a national park within its city limits, accurate identification of urban wildlife is vital for managing human-wildlife interactions and preserving biodiversity.
Dr. Granatosky noted that the study, despite its lighthearted subject, demonstrates the power of science to address various questions and reveals the inherent difficulty in interpreting traces left by organisms, a fundamental aspect of palaeontology. Edwin Dickinson, an archaeologist at the University of Calgary and senior author of the study, highlighted that the scientific method can be applied to even seemingly frivolous topics.
While eastern grey squirrels are native to North America, they are considered an invasive species in parts of Europe and South Africa, where they can displace native squirrel populations. In Kenya, brown rats (*Rattus norvegicus*) are a common pest in urban and residential areas, known for spreading diseases and damaging property. Understanding the distinct characteristics and behaviours of different urban rodent species is crucial for effective pest control and public health initiatives.
Despite the strong evidence, some 'rat purists' may still question the findings, particularly given the absence of a bushy tail imprint. However, researchers explain that fine-scale details like hair are not typically preserved in concrete.
The imprint gained viral fame in early 2024 and was removed later that year. The scientific study confirming its likely origin was published on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. There are no immediate next steps for the physical imprint itself, as it has been relocated to Chicago City Hall.
This study serves as a reminder of the ongoing scientific efforts to understand urban ecosystems. In Kenya, continued research into urban wildlife populations, including rodents and other adaptable species, will be important for managing public health, infrastructure, and conservation efforts in rapidly expanding cities.
