WASHINGTON — A recent study on Chicago's 'rat hole' is putting a new twist on the viral landmark.

The study, published by the Royal Society on Wednesday, suggests that the famous sidewalk hole shaped like a giant rat wasn't created by a rat at all. Instead, researchers concluded that there was a "98.67% likelihood" that a squirrel made the impression, not a rat.

The so-called "rat hole" went viral early last year after comedian Winslow Dumaine posted a photo of it on X. The post drew curious tourists to the site at all hours, with some leaving coins and other odd objects around the impression as a tribute. The imprint closely resembles that of a spread-eagled rat, complete with outlines of what appear to be tiny claws, arms and legs and even a tail.

The constant traffic drew complaints

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