In Chicago, an unexpected finding on the pavement sparked curiosity. Researchers recently identified a mysterious imprint left in wet concrete, revealing it was likely made by a squirrel, not a rat as many initially thought.
The imprint, which gained fame as “Splatatouille” after a public naming contest, originated decades ago but attracted fresh attention in early 2024 thanks to a comedian’s social media post. Unfortunately, it was removed later that year when city workers replaced damaged pavement.
Dr. Michael Granatosky from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, led the research to figure out the origin of the imprint. “I think it’s an eastern grey squirrel,” he stated, examining various mammal species found in Chicago. His team studied 37 possible candidates, weeding out rare species and those that didn’t match the imprint’s features.
Among the eight remaining species were the brown rat, eastern grey squirrel, eastern chipmunk, and muskrat. Measurements from photographs of the imprint and comparative data from prepared museum specimens helped narrow down the possibilities. They concluded the eastern grey squirrel was the most likely culprit, as this species is more prevalent in Chicago than the others.
The team suggested renaming the imprint to the “Windy City Sidewalk Squirrel.” Granatosky noted that factors like the unset concrete could have made the imprint appear larger than a typical squirrel. The wet concrete also indicated that the imprint was likely made during the day when squirrels are most active.
Interestingly, while the imprint lacked definitive details, like a bushy tail, this aligns with how fine features are often lost in concrete rather than preserved.
Granatosky emphasized that this quirky study shows how science can tackle even the most unusual questions. It also highlights the challenges of interpreting animal traces, a critical aspect of palaeontology. “When an animal steps in mud or concrete, details can spread and shift, adding layers to the evidence,” he explained.
This situation underscores the complexities of studying wildlife and preserves an interesting chapter in urban science. The insights gained not only enrich our understanding of local fauna but also celebrate the curious blend of nature and city life. For more information, check out the detailed findings in the journal Biology Letters.
