In the quaint town of Malmö in southern Sweden, a recent news feature highlighted a peculiar issue plaguing the community – rats gnawing electrical cables in parked cars. While the inconvenience of such incidents can evoke frustration, it’s essential to understand the intricate relationship between humans and rats, delving beyond the surface perceptions.
The brown rat, scientifically known as Rattus norvegicus, has seamlessly integrated itself into modern society. Originating in northern China and Mongolia, these adaptable rodents have traversed the globe, establishing themselves as one of the most prevalent mammals. Although the brown rat’s history intertwines with human civilization, it is not alone; black rats made their way to Europe as early as the 1st century AD.
Synanthropic by nature, brown rats live in close proximity to humans, feasting on our leftovers and seeking shelter in human-made structures. This relationship, termed commensalism, echoes the Latin phrase “commensal,” meaning “eating at the same table.” Despite their omnipresence, rats have endured a tumultuous history, often cast as harbingers of disease and agents of destruction.
Throughout the ages, rats played a pivotal role in disease transmission, contributing to the perception of them as carriers of dirt and death. In medieval Europe, they were despised for their perceived brutishness and prolific breeding habits. However, the rats’ ability to adapt and proliferate mirrors the success of human evolution.
Contrary to their vilified image, rats exhibit a surprising depth of social and empathetic behaviour. Scientific studies reveal that rats possess a capacity for emotional contagion, sharing the emotional states of their counterparts. One remarkable experiment showcased rats releasing fellow rats from unpleasant enclosures without expecting rewards, demonstrating a selfless aspect of their nature.
Further research has unveiled the social complexity of rats, living in family groups with multiple generations. These intelligent creatures form lifelong bonds, sharing learned skills across generations and exhibiting a form of culture. Recent studies even suggest that rats can imagine places and things, indicating a sense of past and future – an astonishing cognitive ability.
Given these insights, the conventional methods of dealing with rats, such as the use of anticoagulant poisons, appear archaic and inhumane. Poison shyness, a cautious sampling of unfamiliar food, hampers the efficacy of such methods. The conventional approach of extermination, led by experts in wild rat behaviour, lacks effectiveness. Some rats have developed resistance to poisons, and trapping them proves challenging, leading to frequent recolonization of removed territories.
As global urbanization brings humans and rats into closer contact, it is imperative to reassess our methods. The Urban Rat Project at the University of Helsinki stands as a beacon of hope, exploring alternative strategies for harmonious coexistence. By studying conflicts between rats and humans, researchers aim for a future marked by less adversarial relations. Interestingly, the project identified urban areas where people feed birds as hotspots attracting rats, leading to subsequent eradication attempts using poisons or traps.
A shift in perspective is crucial, where increased knowledge about rat behaviour fosters a more positive attitude. Minimizing food waste and securing leftovers can significantly reduce the presence of rats around human food sources. This not only mitigates the risk of diseases spreading between rats and humans but also promotes a healthier environment for both species.
The rat, often seen as a shadow in human history, emerges as a social and empathetic creature deserving of understanding. As we navigate our shared spaces, it’s time to embrace coexistence and manage our behaviours to foster a future where humans and rats cohabit harmoniously.
