Rat
Surprisingly clean, deeply social, and incredibly smart
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Rats have a PR problem. Blamed for the plague (which was actually spread by fleas, not rats themselves), rats have been scapegoated for centuries. In reality, rats are highly intelligent, deeply social animals that laugh when tickled.
Friendly fact
Rats have been observed freeing trapped companions from cages, even when they didn't benefit themselves — and they save chocolate to share with friends.
Fascinating facts
- 1
Rats laugh when tickled — at ultrasonic frequencies humans can't normally hear.
- 2
Rats are highly empathetic and will help a trapped companion, even sharing food with them.
- 3
African giant pouched rats have been trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis with their extraordinary sense of smell.
- 4
Rats can survive without water longer than a camel.
- 5
A rat's front teeth grow continuously and can gnaw through concrete.
Myth vs. Reality
Myth
Rats caused the Black Death.
Reality
Rats were a vector, but the plague bacterium was actually spread by fleas that rode on rats. Recent research suggests gerbils and other rodents may have been larger contributors.
Myth
Rats are dirty.
Reality
Rats spend as much time grooming as cats. They groom themselves and each other constantly, and prefer clean living conditions.
Myth
Rats will bite you.
Reality
Healthy wild rats are shy and will flee from humans. Pet rats are affectionate and rarely bite unless mishandled.