The latest weapon in Chicago’s war against rats is plant-based, naturally flavored and nutritious.

It’s a birth control pellet made with corn and peanuts, and a team of researchers and volunteers will be serving it to discerning rats in a four-block area of Lincoln Park for a year.

The aim is to reduce the rat population without harming urban wildlife, including owls and hawks, which can die after eating poisoned rodents.

The study was sparked by the high-profile deaths of three beloved Lincoln Park owls — mom, dad and owlet — who made their home near North Pond and died in rapid succession last April and May. The deaths were all linked to rat poison , which causes internal bleeding.

“We just realized we had to do something,” said Judy Pollock, former president of the Chicago Bird

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