Chicago ‘Splatatouille’ – Squirrel or Something Else?
- A decades-old pavement impression in Chicago, affectionately dubbed "Splatatouille," has been definitively identified as the result of a squirrel, not a rat, according to recent research.
- For years, a peculiar imprint on the wet concrete of West Roscoe Street in Chicago captivated locals.The shape, resembling an animal flattened against the pavement, led to the...
- City officials, citing damage to the pavement, decided to replace sections of the sidewalk later in 2024, effectively erasing "Splatatouille" from existence.
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The Mystery of ‘Splatatouille’: chicago’s famous Rat Hole Revealed as Squirrel Imprint
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A decades-old pavement impression in Chicago, affectionately dubbed “Splatatouille,” has been definitively identified as the result of a squirrel, not a rat, according to recent research. The imprint gained viral fame in 2024 before being removed during city repairs.
The Rise of ‘Splatatouille’
For years, a peculiar imprint on the wet concrete of West Roscoe Street in Chicago captivated locals.The shape, resembling an animal flattened against the pavement, led to the widespread assumption it was a rat. In early 2024, a comedian shared a photo of the imprint on social media, igniting a new wave of interest and prompting a public naming contest. The winning name,”Splatatouille,” a playful reference to the Pixar film Ratatouille,cemented the imprint’s place in Chicago’s urban landscape.
Though, the imprint’s reign was short-lived. City officials, citing damage to the pavement, decided to replace sections of the sidewalk later in 2024, effectively erasing “Splatatouille” from existence. This removal sparked further discussion and a sense of loss among those who had come to cherish the unusual landmark.
Unmasking the Victim: From Rat to Squirrel
The central question surrounding “Splatatouille” always lingered: was the animal truly a rat? Researchers recently investigated the imprint, analyzing its dimensions and characteristics. Their findings, reported by The Guardian,strongly suggest the imprint was made by an eastern gray squirrel.
The key evidence lies in the size and shape of the imprint. Rats typically have longer bodies and narrower skulls compared to squirrels. The “Splatatouille” imprint exhibited proportions more consistent with a squirrel. Furthermore, the position of the outstretched paw and angled tail also align with typical squirrel behavior.
While the unfortunate animal likely perished in the process of creating the impression – there are no tracks leading away from the imprint – the identification as a squirrel provides a definitive answer to the long-standing mystery.