Bobby Corrigan, a globally-recognized Urban Rodentologist, dives into the fascinating world of urban rats—nature's crafty survivors. He shares their surprising intelligence and social skills, along with amusing anecdotes that challenge our perceptions. Discover why rats prefer certain foods and how they've adapted to city life. Bobby also offers practical tips on humane pest control and reflects on the surprising benefits of these critters, like their role in landmine detection. Who knew rats could be so compelling?
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Quick takeaways
Urban rats display remarkable intelligence and adaptability, showcasing behaviors like tool use and social altruism that challenge their negative perception.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced urban rats to alter their behavior and activity patterns, highlighting their resilience and intricate connection to human activities.
Bobby Corrigan advocates for humane coexistence with urban rats, emphasizing that understanding their survival needs is crucial to effective pest management.
Deep dives
Exploring Ohio's Rich Heritage
Ohio is recognized for its notable contributions to American history, including being home to the Wright Brothers and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, the state offers much more than these well-known facts, as it exemplifies a blend of vibrant cities and close-knit communities. Described as a 'sweet spot' in the U.S., Ohio boasts an epic history while looking forward to an even brighter future. Its diverse landscape and cultural richness combined make it a truly great place to call home.
Rats in Urban Life
The episode focuses on understanding urban rats, often seen in negative light, by highlighting their unique characteristics and behaviors. Expert Bobby Corrigan discusses the traits of city rats, who adeptly navigate urban environments, revealing their surprising adaptability and intelligence. Above ground, they often forage in search of food, which has led to prominent figures such as the famous 'Pizza Rat.' Through the exploration of their habits and communication strategies, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for these misunderstood creatures.
The Intelligent Nature of Rats
Rats exhibit remarkable intelligence, often surprising people with their cognitive abilities. Research has shown they can use tools to obtain food and possess social behaviors such as altruism, gifting food to each other. Additionally, the episode delves into the intricate communication between rats, including vocalizations and pheromones that convey messages about food and safety. This exploration of their social structure provides insight into their complex lives, fostering a fondness for their existence.
Rats and Their Urban Environments
The adaptability of rats in urban settings is emphasized, particularly regarding changes in their behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. With restaurants closed, rats faced a sudden food scarcity, leading to increased competition and fighting for survival. The episode explains how these rodents displayed new daytime activity patterns in search of food, reflecting their ability to adjust to abrupt changes. This discussion reveals the resilience of rats and underscores the interconnectedness of urban wildlife with human activities.
The Need for a New Perspective
The episode advocates for a shift in how society views and manages the urban rat population, promoting humane solutions to coexistence. Bobby Corrigan emphasizes that issues with rats often stem from human negligence, such as improper waste management. By recognizing that rats are simply trying to survive in their environments, the conversation encourages listeners to implement more thoughtful practices in their cities. This perspective aims to balance pest control with compassion, highlighting the importance of respecting all forms of life.
Let’s kick off Spooktober with… RATS: They love pizza. They invade taquerias at midnight. They scurry. They cuddle. They outsmart. They inspire movies that inspire musicals. Proving that not just woodsy megafauna can be charismatic, rats have lives we would never suspect. Globally-lauded Urban Rodentologist Dr. Robert Corrigan, or Bobby if you like, has been studying these animals in their big-city ecosystem for decades and he is a wonder-filled joy. Learn about rats’ origin story, the difference between a rat and a mouse, where they live, their preferred “food dialects,” and how to (hopefully humanely) keep one out of your house -- or car? Might as well start to love and respect them, because we’re not-too-distantly related and one day… they may be steering the ship.