Chicago’s viral ‘Splatatouille’ mystery has been finally solved. Many people have speculated about the strange imprint resembling a cartoonish rodent found on a city sidewalk. Now, researchers from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have investigated the origins of the so-called ‘rat hole’ and uncovered a surprising truth.
The Real Culprit Behind the Pavement Mark
After examining 37 different animal species and comparing the imprint to skeletal and anatomical features, the scientists concluded the mark most likely came from a squirrel, not a rat. Their findings debunked social media theories and memes that had given the imprint an almost mythical status. 
How Science Ended the Urban Legend
The team studied the position of the limbs, tail, and head in the imprint. They found that the proportions and pose matched a squirrel far better than a rat. Social media users had dubbed the outline ‘Splatatouille’ in reference to the beloved animated rat, but the truth is a little less cinematic. Thanks to this research, Chicagoans and curious onlookers now know the story behind the famous sidewalk mark.
Sources:
The Guardian: Chicago ‘Splatatouille’ was probably a squirrel, say researchers
