Title: Study Reveals Chicago's Viral 'Rat Hole' Likely a Squirrel

CHICAGO - A recent study has determined that the famous "Chicago Rat Hole" on a North Side sidewalk was likely made by a squirrel, not a rat. This finding comes more than a year after the imprint gained widespread attention on social media.

Researchers published their analysis in the journal Biology Letters, where they compared the proportions of the concrete imprint to museum specimens of eight rodent species. They concluded there is a 98.67% probability that the imprint was made by an eastern gray squirrel or a fox squirrel. The study suggests that the squirrel likely fell from a tree branch onto wet concrete in the early 2000s. The authors recommend renaming the imprint the "Windy City Sidewalk Squirrel."

The imprint first went viral in January 2024 when Chicago artist and comedian Winslow Dumaine shared a photo on social media, dubbing it the "Chicago Rat Hole." The post quickly garnered millions of views, attracting visitors to the 1900 block of West Roscoe Street. Many left offerings such as coins, flowers, and trinkets at the site. Some even held weddings there, turning the area into a makeshift shrine.

City officials later removed the concrete slab to manage the crowds, stating that the slab is now preserved under glass at City Hall. Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Cole Stallard noted that the imprint is "in good hands" and expressed interest in displaying it publicly.

The study highlights the challenges of accurately identifying animal tracks. The authors emphasized that scientific inquiry is rooted in curiosity and observation, qualities that anyone can possess. They hope their findings will inspire further interest in understanding the natural world.

While the "rat hole" is no longer part of the sidewalk, its legacy continues to resonate in the community, with many still fondly recalling the viral sensation that captivated Chicago.