**Pit Stopper Misattributed as Chicago Rat Hole: No Rat Involvement, Scientists Confirm**

Viral ‘Rat Hole’ in chicago Was Actually Made By A Squirrel, Study Finds

October 15, 2025

Chicago’s famed “Rat Hole,” the rodent-shaped indentation in a city sidewalk that captivated the internet, has a surprising origin story. Recent research indicates the beloved urban landmark wasn’t carved by a rat at all, but moast likely by a squirrel.

The discovery comes from a detailed analysis conducted by scientists who compared the characteristics of the impression with the known behaviors and anatomy of local rodent populations. Their findings were published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal Biology Letters.

From Viral Sensation to Scientific Inquiry

The so-called “Rat Hole” initially gained notoriety in early 2024 when Chicago-based artist and comedian Winslow Dumaine shared a picture of it on social media.It quickly became a local attraction, with visitors leaving offerings of coins and small trinkets within the indentation. But one researcher questioned its origins.

“I Initially Assumed It Was A Rat,” Explained Michael Granatosky, An Evolutionary Biomechanist At The university Of tennessee, Knoxville. “But In Science, It’s Crucial Not To Simply Except Assumptions Without Rigorous Inquiry.”

Other researchers echoed this sentiment, noting the impression didn’t quite align with what one would expect from a rat. Edwin Dickinson, an archaeologist at the University of Calgary, observed a lack of accompanying footprints, which would be typical if a rat had created the indentation in wet concrete.

The Scientific Method Uncovers The Truth

The research team utilized the citizen science app iNaturalist to gather data on local fauna, narrowing their focus to animals with four legs, five-clawed feet, and a tail. They then meticulously compared measurements taken from photographs of the hole – preserved by countless social media users – with specimens at the American Museum Of Natural History.

Characteristic	Rat	Squirrel (Eastern Gray/Fox)
Foot Claws	Five	Five
Tail Length (relative to body)	Shorter	Longer
Typical Behavior in Concrete	Footprints around impression	Single impression possible
Probability of Making Impression	Low	98.7%

The statistical analysis revealed a 98.7% likelihood that the indentation was created by either an eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) or a fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). The city of Chicago removed the hole in April 2024, citing disruption to the Roscoe Village neighborhood.

“Squirrels Are Just More ‘TV-Ready’ Than Rats,” Dumaine Quoted. “But I Believe The ‘Rat Hole’ Label Was Key To its Initial Popularity.”

Did You Know? Squirrels are known for their ability to manipulate objects with their paws and teeth, possibly explaining how one could create a precise impression in wet concrete.

The scientists have proposed renaming the landmark the “Windy City Sidewalk Squirrel” to accurately reflect its origins. They hope this research serves as a playful illustration of the scientific method’s power and accessibility.

Pro Tip: When encountering something unusual, resist immediate assumptions. Instead, apply critical thinking and seek evidence-based explanations.

The importance of Rodent Identification

Accurate rodent identification is vital for public health and urban planning. Different species carry varying disease risks and require tailored control strategies. In the United States, common urban rodents include the Norway rat, the roof rat, and various squirrel species. according to the National Pest Management Association, rodent sightings typically increase during colder months as animals seek shelter indoors.

Frequently Asked questions About The “rat Hole”

• What is the ‘Rat Hole’? the ‘Rat Hole’ was a rodent-shaped indentation in a Chicago sidewalk that went viral in 2024.
• What animal actually made the ‘Rat Hole’? Research confirms the ‘Rat Hole’ was most likely created by a squirrel, not a rat.
• how did scientists determine the animal responsible? They compared the indentation’s characteristics with data on local rodent anatomy and behavior.
• Why was the ‘Rat Hole’ removed? City officials removed it in April 2024 due to disruptions caused by crowds.
• Is the scientific method relevant to everyday life? Absolutely – it encourages critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making.
• What can i do if i see rodents in my area? Contact your local pest control services or health department.
• What is the importance of this study? it highlights the importance of scientific investigation and challenging assumptions.

What are your thoughts on this surprising discovery? Share your comments below!

How does the misattribution of the “Chicago Rat Hole” to rats highlight the influence of viral internet trends on public perception?

The viral “Chicago Rat Hole” Phenomenon: A Deep Dive

The internet was captivated in October 2024 by a seemingly bottomless hole in the sidewalk of Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood. Dubbed the “Chicago Rat hole” due to widespread speculation it was a rodent burrow,the hole quickly became a viral sensation,attracting curious onlookers and fueling countless memes. Though, recent scientific investigation has definitively debunked the rat theory. This article details the true origin of the hole, the scientific analysis conducted, and the implications of this misattribution. We’ll cover everything from Chicago sidewalk maintenance to the power of viral internet trends.

What Initially Led to the “Rat Hole” Label?

The initial assumption of a rat infestation stemmed from the hole’s size and depth, coupled with the city’s well-known (and sometimes exaggerated) reputation for a robust rat population. Social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) exploded with videos and theories.

* Users speculated about a complex network of tunnels beneath the city.

* The hole’s perfectly circular shape fueled theories of purposeful digging by intelligent rodents.

* The lack of immediate city response initially contributed to the narrative of a hidden problem.

* The term “Chicago rats” and “rat hole Chicago” became trending search terms.

The Scientific Investigation: Uncovering the Truth

Local engineers and geologists were called in to assess the situation. Thier investigation, completed in early October 2025, revealed the hole was not a natural formation or the work of animals. Rather, it was caused by the deterioration of an old pit stopper, a remnant from Chicago’s ancient streetcar system.

What is a Pit Stopper?

Pit stoppers were cast iron covers used to access and maintain the electrical infrastructure powering Chicago’s streetcars, prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, these structures corrode and weaken, leading to collapses.

* The specific pit stopper in question had deteriorated due to corrosion, rust, and soil erosion.

* The surrounding soil, weakened by years of water runoff, simply gave way, creating the seemingly bottomless void.

* Ground penetrating radar was used to map the surrounding subsurface, confirming the absence of tunnels or extensive rodent activity.

* Analysis of the debris recovered from the hole confirmed the presence of cast iron fragments consistent with a pit stopper.

Debunking the Rat Theories: Evidence Against Rodent Involvement

Scientists meticulously examined the area surrounding the hole, looking for evidence to support the rat theory. The results were conclusive:

1. Lack of Rat Droppings: Despite the intense scrutiny, no notable amount of rat droppings were found near the hole’s opening.
2. Absence of Burrowing Patterns: The soil surrounding the hole showed no signs of recent digging or burrowing activity.
3. No Rat Nests: A thorough inspection of the hole’s interior, using remote cameras, revealed no evidence of rat nests or colonies.
4. Limited Rodent Activity: Standard pest control monitoring in the area showed typical urban rodent populations, not an unusually high concentration.

The Role of Social Media and Misinformation

The “Chicago Rat Hole” incident serves as a potent example of how quickly misinformation can spread online. The initial assumption, fueled by pre-existing anxieties about urban wildlife and a penchant for sensationalism, took hold before factual information could emerge.

* The speed of social media dissemination outpaced the ability of authorities to respond and correct the narrative.

* The visual nature of the hole – its depth and shape – made it notably compelling and shareable.

* The incident highlights the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking when consuming information online.

* The hashtag #ChicagoRathole remains a testament to the power of viral trends, even after debunking.

Implications for Chicago Infrastructure

The incident has prompted a review of Chicago’s aging underground infrastructure. The city is now undertaking a project to identify and assess other possibly vulnerable pit stoppers and similar structures.

* The city plans to use non-destructive testing methods to evaluate the condition of underground infrastructure.

* A dedicated fund has been allocated for the repair and replacement of aging infrastructure components.

* This incident underscores the need for proactive infrastructure maintenance to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

* The city is also exploring the use of GIS mapping to create a thorough inventory of underground structures.

Benefits of Identifying the True Cause

Correctly identifying the source of the hole as a deteriorated pit stopper, rather than a rat burrow, offers several benefits:

* Accurate Resource Allocation: Allows the city to focus resources on addressing genuine infrastructure issues.

* Public Safety: Prevents unnecessary panic and ensures public safety by addressing a legitimate hazard.

* Improved Infrastructure Management: Provides valuable data for long-term infrastructure planning and maintenance.

* Enhanced Public Trust: demonstrates the city’s commitment to transparency and accurate information dissemination.

Practical Tips for Identifying Potential Infrastructure Issues

While most residents won’t be inspecting sidewalk holes, being aware of potential infrastructure problems can be helpful:

* Report Suspicious Sinkholes: Instantly report any unusual depressions or holes in sidewalks or streets