Oh, the mystery of Chicago's 'rat hole'! A tale that has intrigued and baffled many, but researchers have now shed some light on this peculiar landmark. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged!
The 'rat hole' is not what it seems at first glance. It's not a hidden gem of a bar or a forgotten corner of the city. Instead, it's a fascinating imprint, a frozen moment in time, capturing the unfortunate fate of a small creature.
Imagine a quiet neighborhood in Roscoe Village, Chicago, perhaps 20 or 30 years ago. A wet sidewalk, a dash of cement, and an unexpected visitor. The imprint, a perfect silhouette, resembles a rat spread out, with tiny claws, arms, and legs, even a tail, all captured in the cement. It's a unique and eerie sight.
This mysterious landmark went viral, attracting curious tourists and sparking a unique form of tribute. People left coins and odd objects, honoring the unknown creature. But the constant foot traffic caused issues, leading to the removal of the original slab and its relocation to City Hall-County Building.
And here's where it gets intriguing... Researchers from renowned institutions have weighed in, and their findings are surprising. They believe the 'rat hole' was not created by a rat at all, but most likely by a squirrel or a muskrat! A thorough investigation, comparing measurements to museum specimens, led to this conclusion.
The presence of arms, legs, and a tail ruled out birds and reptiles. The claw outlines further narrowed it down to a few mammal species. The size and shape of the forelimbs and hind paws pointed towards squirrels or muskrats, with the Eastern gray squirrel being the prime suspect due to its abundance in the area.
But wait, there's more! Other researchers had already theorized a squirrel's involvement. Rats are nocturnal, and the lack of tracks suggests a squirrel's misstep. The absence of a bushy tail in the imprint is explained by the nature of hair, which often doesn't leave deep impressions.
So, should we rename it? The researchers propose a new name: 'Windy City Sidewalk Squirrel'. A name that honors the likely creator and aligns with the evidence.
This story is a reminder that even the smallest details can spark curiosity and lead to fascinating discoveries.
What do you think? Should we embrace this new name? Or do you have another theory about the 'rat hole'? Feel free to share your thoughts and theories in the comments below!
