Imagine stumbling upon a peculiar landmark that sparks curiosity, controversy, and even a bit of humor—all because of a mysterious imprint in the sidewalk. That’s exactly what happened in Chicago’s Roscoe Village, where a decades-old cement impression, affectionately dubbed the ‘rat hole,’ became an overnight sensation. But here’s where it gets controversial: what if the creature immortalized in that cement wasn’t a rat at all? Researchers from the University of Tennessee, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Calgary have weighed in, and their findings might just flip the script on this quirky urban legend.
For years, locals and tourists alike marveled at the imprint, which eerily resembles a rat sprawled out in wet cement, complete with what appear to be tiny claws, limbs, and even a tail. The ‘rat hole’ went viral in early 2024 after comedian Winslow Dumaine shared a photo on social media, drawing crowds of curious onlookers who left coins and trinkets as tributes. But the constant foot traffic wasn’t without its downsides—neighbors complained, and in April 2024, someone took matters into their own hands, filling the impression with plaster. City workers eventually removed the slab, relocating it to the City Hall-County Building, though a plaque remains at the original site to honor this odd piece of history.
And this is the part most people miss: the researchers, after analyzing online photos and comparing measurements to museum specimens, concluded that the imprint was likely not made by a rat. Instead, they pointed to a squirrel or muskrat as the culprit. Here’s why: the creature’s long forelimbs, distinct digits, and hind paws were too large for a rat but aligned with the proportions of Eastern gray squirrels or muskrats—both common in Chicago. The absence of tracks and the fact that rats are nocturnal further support the squirrel theory, as squirrels are more likely to be active during the day when cement is typically wet.
The study also acknowledged previous theories suggesting a squirrel’s involvement, noting that a misjudged leap or a slip from a tree branch could easily explain the imprint. While the creature’s tail lacks the bushy detail one might expect from a squirrel, the researchers explained that hair often lacks the rigidity to leave deep, well-defined impressions in cement. Boldly, they propose renaming the landmark the ‘Windy City Sidewalk Squirrel,’ a title they argue is more accurate and evidence-based.
This reinterpretation raises a thought-provoking question: How often do we jump to conclusions based on first impressions, only to discover the truth is far more nuanced? The ‘rat hole’ saga isn’t just a quirky tale—it’s a reminder to dig deeper, question assumptions, and embrace the unexpected. What do you think? Is the ‘Windy City Sidewalk Squirrel’ a more fitting name, or does the ‘rat hole’ hold a special place in your heart? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
