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Scientists determine that Chicago's "Splatatouille" actually a squirrel

Gail P Sherman
Oct 16, 2025
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Chicago Rat Hole (Image: WinslowDumaine, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Chicago Rat Hole (Image: WinslowDumaine, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

At some point in the late 20th or early 21st century, some poor creature died and fell into wet concrete in Chicago. The impression left behind, worthy of a Looney Tunes cartoon, was dubbed the “Chicago rat hole” or “Splatatouille.” The perfectly preserved silhouette went viral …

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Gail P Sherman
Geek, gamer, childless cat (and dog) lady
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