Unraveling the mystique of rodent monarchs: rare, tangled creatures bound by forces both natural and mysterious.
A rat king is a rare phenomenon in which a group of rats becomes bound together at the tails, often by horse hair, sticky substances, or even blood. This bizarre occurrence usually happens in confined spaces such as sewers, basements, or nests, where rats are close enough for entanglement to occur.
A rat king is a rare occurrence where multiple rats become entangled together by their tails, forming a single mass.
This phenomenon is often found in areas with high rodent populations, such as farms or sewers.
The entanglement occurs when rats are startled and grab onto each other's tails for balance, resulting in a knot-like structure.
Rat kings can have up to 20 rats attached, although the average number is around 5-6.
The earliest report of a rat king dates back to the 16th century, and naturally occurring rat kings have reportedly been found across Europe. Many specimens are on exhibit in natural history museums today, some verified through X-ray images or ray images, revealing entangled bones and genuine rat king formations.
Scientists speculate that rats’ grasping reflex causes them to inadvertently tangle and stay bound for an extended period, especially when panicking or injured. This is supported by the discovery of a rat king found in recent decades, which reignited interest and debate among scientists and the public.
However, not everyone agrees on the explanation. Some believe that the appearance of rat kings is the result of rats being caught in freezing weather, where skin, urine, and feces solidify into a tangled mass. Others argue that the phenomenon may have been created for curiosity cabinets or exhibitions.
Are rat kings alive when found? Sometimes, yes. There are accounts of rat kings being discovered while still breathing, although many die soon after due to starvation or infection. In some cases, rat kings form around a central nest, with the tangle acting as an unintended throne or monster guarding the food supply.
Rat kings aren’t the only tangled tales in the animal kingdom. Similar events have been documented with squirrels, leading to the term ‘squirrel king.’ These incidents also involve tails becoming entangled by external substances, highlighting that rats are not alone in their tendency to become bound together.
A squirrel king is not a recognized title in biology or zoology.
However, some species of squirrels are known to have dominant individuals that lead their groups.
These dominant squirrels often have priority access to food and mating opportunities.
In some cases, a dominant squirrel may even defend its group from predators.
While there is no single 'squirrel king,' research has shown that social hierarchies exist within squirrel populations, with dominant individuals playing a key role in maintaining order.
The rat king has captured the imagination of people for centuries, sparking debate and curiosity. While some may view it as a symbol of urban decay or mythology, others see it as a fascinating example of animal behavior. The truth lies somewhere in between, revealing a complex mix of natural causes, environmental factors, and human fascination with the unknown.
- howstuffworks.com | Is the Rat King Real or Simply an Urban Legend?
