Podcast Summary
Exploring the Fascinating World of Rats with Urban Rodentologist Bobby Corrigan: Urban rodentologist Bobby Corrigan, an expert in rat behavior and communication, debunks misconceptions and shares intriguing facts about these often-maligned creatures.
Urban rodentologist Bobby Corrigan, also known as Dr. Corrigan, has dedicated his life to studying and understanding rats, from their behavior and communication to their preferred food dialects and relationships. Based in New York, Bobby was inspired by an urban entomologist during his time at Long Island State University and went on to earn a PhD in rodentology from Purdue University. He has taught Rat Academy to city planners, worked for the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and runs RMC Pest Management Consulting. Bobby is known for his compassionate and detective work, helping humans and rats coexist peacefully. Through his research, Bobby has discovered fascinating facts about rats, such as their superpower teeth and scaly naked tails, and debunked common misconceptions about them. So, instead of cursing city rats, consider learning to love them with the help of one of the world's most beloved rodentologists.
From sewers to rodent studies: following one's interests: Passion and curiosity can lead to unique opportunities. Even seemingly unpleasant experiences can reveal hidden gems and lead to rewarding outcomes.
Passion and curiosity can lead to unique and unexpected opportunities. The speaker shares how his experience as a pest control worker in the sewers of New York City ignited his fascination with rodents, eventually leading him to pursue a graduate degree in rodent studies at Purdue University. Despite the initial intimidation and unfavorable conditions, he found the hidden ecosystem beneath the city fascinating and was able to study urban rodents specifically. The history of these cosmopolitan rats suggests they originated in Central Asia and made their way to North America through trade routes and early exploration. The speaker's story highlights the importance of following one's interests and how even seemingly unpleasant experiences can lead to rewarding outcomes.
Rats in the Americas: From Jamestown to New York City: Rats, introduced to the Americas in the late 1600s, thrived in urban environments like New York City due to abundant food sources and favorable conditions. Highly adaptable, they've survived in harsh conditions and have become known for their love of New York pizza. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, they've had to adapt to new food sources.
Rats were likely introduced to the Americas through various ports along the East Coast, starting with Jamestown, Virginia, as early as the late 1600s. They thrived in urban environments, particularly in New York City, due to abundant food sources and favorable conditions. Rats are highly adaptable and innovative, able to survive in low light and harsh environments. They have a reputation for being kleptoparasites, stealing food from humans, and have been known to have a fondness for New York pizza. With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, urban rodents have had to adapt to the sudden disappearance of food sources by scavenging in new areas. Despite the challenges, they continue to thrive and adapt to their environment.
Rats' Behavior During Food Scarcity: Rats become aggressive and cannibalistic during food scarcity, leading to displacement and uncertain population impact
Rats, which are around 16 to 20 inches long with a tail almost like the length of an elbow, become highly stressed and disruptive when food sources become scarce. This leads to increased aggression and cannibalism among the rodents, as well as their displacement to new areas in search of sustenance. These behaviors are a result of their mammalian instincts to survive when faced with prolonged hunger. Despite their adaptability and ability to reproduce rapidly, the impact of the pandemic on rat populations is uncertain, but it's unlikely that 96% of them will be eliminated. Rats are geophilic, meaning they prefer to live in the earth, and in urban environments, they construct burrows whenever possible.
Rats' Complex Behaviors and Intelligence: Rats construct complex tunnels and nests, use tools, communicate, and grow families rapidly, challenging the perception of them as simple pests.
Rats are more intelligent and resourceful than commonly believed. They construct complex tunnels and nests, use tools, communicate with each other through vocalizations and ultrasonic sounds, and can grow their families rapidly. Research suggests that rodent evolution may be faster than human evolution. Rats have been observed using sticks to activate traps and stealing the bait afterwards. They have multiple escape routes and even disguise their back doors. These findings challenge the perception of rats as simple pests and reveal their sophisticated behaviors and intelligence.
Rats and mice communicate using ultrasonic chatter, pheromones, and complex social systems: Rats and mice communicate through ultrasonic sounds, pheromones, and social structures, allowing them to coordinate resources and activities without spoken language
Rats and mice communicate through various means beyond what we typically perceive. Researchers have discovered that rats use ultrasonic chatter, which can be decoded using neural networks, and they also use pheromones in their urine and feces to convey messages to their colonies. This complex social system allows them to coordinate resources and activities without the need for spoken language. The idea of a rat king, a phenomenon where rats are tangled together, is debated, but it's possible that such occurrences have been observed and misinterpreted. Despite their sometimes negative reputation, rats are fascinating mammals with intricate social structures and make great pets for those who are open to the experience.
Rats: More Than Just Pungent Pets: Rats are social animals with various species, often misunderstood due to negative media portrayals, and smaller than commonly believed
Rats make great pets despite their sometimes unpleasant reputation for smell and size. They are social animals that enjoy living in pairs and have various species and subspecies, including the commonly used lab rats. Although they share a common ancestor with mice, rats are larger, more cautious, and have blunter and larger droppings. Contrary to popular belief, rats are not super-sized monsters, with the average rat being relatively small. In media, rats are often portrayed negatively, but movies like Ratatouille accurately depict their body movements and gestures. Myths about New York City rats exaggerate their size, but in reality, they are not ginormous creatures. Despite occasional urban legends, there is no evidence of rats being capable of causing harm on the scale that is often depicted.
Rats' size may appear larger due to defensive behavior: Rats may appear larger due to defensive behavior, and in extreme situations, they may resort to cannibalism when food is scarce.
The size of rats is consistent across different regions, and they may appear larger due to their defensive behavior when startled. Rats, like other mammals, do not necessarily attack and eat deceased individuals if there is a reliable food source available. However, in extreme situations where food is scarce and the deceased person is the only available food source, rats may resort to cannibalism. It's also important to note that rats, when frightened, may try to appear larger to deter predators. Some listeners asked about the size of rats in different areas, specifically in Los Angeles, where rats in sewers may appear larger due to their defensive behavior. Additionally, tree rats or roof rats in Southern California may hibernate in car engines during winter months and cause damage to wires and fluid lines.
Preventing Rodents from Damaging Your Car: Secure garage, avoid food storage, consider leaving hood open or using mothballs. Consistent effort needed to keep rodents away and ensure safe driving.
Preventing rodents from damaging your car by living under the hood requires a multi-step approach. First, secure your garage to keep rodents out. Second, avoid storing food in the garage that could attract them. Third, if rodents are a persistent problem, consider leaving your hood open at night or using mothballs. As for why rat tails are hairless, it's due to their urban environments and the need to avoid accumulating debris and junk on their tails. Despite their scaly appearance, they do have sparse hairs on their tails. Overall, dealing with rodents in your car requires consistent effort and attention to prevent damage and ensure safe driving.
Rodents' Adaptations: Long Tails for Balance, Thermoregulation, and Communication: Rodents, like rats, have long tails that serve multiple purposes such as balance, thermoregulation, and communication. Capybaras, the largest rodents, are excellent swimmers, while squirrels have bushy tails that can get tangled, leading to 'squirrel kings.' Rodents live in diverse habitats and have unique adaptations for each environment.
Rodents, including rats, have remarkable adaptations that help them survive in various environments. For instance, their long tails serve multiple purposes such as balance, thermoregulation, and communication. Despite their negative reputation, rats are fascinating creatures with complex behaviors and physiological traits. Moreover, rodent species vary greatly, and it's essential to recognize their unique characteristics. For example, capybaras are the largest rodents and are excellent swimmers, while squirrels have bushy tails that can get tangled, leading to the formation of "squirrel kings." Additionally, rodents have evolved to live in diverse habitats, from forests to urban areas. For instance, roof rats have long tails that help them navigate narrow surfaces, while capybaras use their tails for thermoregulation. Despite their importance in ecosystems and human society, rodents are often misunderstood and feared due to misconceptions and negative stereotypes. Understanding their adaptations and unique traits can help us appreciate these fascinating creatures.
Rats' Powerful Teeth and Jaws: Rats have strong teeth and jaws, capable of gnawing and climbing, exerting over 7,000 PSI of pressure, and carrying viruses, including coronaviruses, but not COVID-19.
Rats have incredibly strong teeth and jaws, which they use for gnawing and climbing. Their incisors, both upper and lower, are powerful and keep growing throughout their lives. Rats can exert over 7,000 PSI of pressure with their bites, making them stronger than adult lions and crocodiles. Despite their association with filth and potential disease transmission, they have been found to carry various viruses, including coronaviruses, although not the one causing COVID-19. The difference between gnawing and chewing is significant, as gnawing involves biting, while chewing is crushing with molars. Additionally, rats can squeeze through small holes by collapsing their ribs and rebounding on the other side.
Rats as Disease Carriers and Useful Animals: Rats carry diseases and have negative impacts on health, but they can also be useful in detecting landmines and deserve respect for their intelligence and adaptability. Preventing rat infestations and maintaining clean surroundings is crucial.
Rats carry numerous diseases, including salmonella, leptospirosis, and typhus, making them public health pests. However, they are not carriers of plague or rabies in the United States. Despite their negative reputation, rats have the potential to be useful, such as in detecting landmines through hero rats. In reality, rats in the subway are not the alpha rats, but rather, they prefer to live in buildings and outdoor environments. Rats are adaptable and intelligent animals that deserve respect for their ability to survive in challenging environments. Keeping them out of buildings and maintaining clean surroundings is essential to prevent diseases.
Rats prefer secure nests near food sources: Rats value secure nests and food sources, typically within a few hundred feet of each other, and have regional food preferences.
Just like humans, rats value a well-protected nest in close proximity to a dependable food source. While subway systems may provide shelter, they are not preferred habitats due to the constant disruption from cleaning processes. Rats, much like humans, have regional food preferences based on their upbringing and environment. Their food sources and colonies are typically within a few hundred feet of each other. The average lifespan of a city rat is around 9-12 months, making their existence a challenging one. In response to questions about humane trapping methods, experts suggest using humane traps that allow the rat to be released unharmed once caught.
Preventing and Humanely Dealing with Rodents in Your Home: Secure doors, manage garbage, avoid attracting rodents, use humane trapping methods, and be aware of neighbors' actions to prevent and deal with rodent infestations in a humane way.
When dealing with unwanted rodents in your home, it's important to be humane and considerate. Rats can enter your house through various means, including toilets, and they're excellent swimmers, able to hold their breath for several minutes. Prevention is key by securing your doors, keeping your garbage properly managed, and avoiding attracting rodents to your property. If a rat does enter your home, consider humane trapping methods instead of using cruel or barbaric means. Additionally, be aware that your neighbors' actions can impact your own experiences with pests. The infamous "pizza rat" incident may be entertaining, but rats can consume large items like whole pretzels.
Understanding the Complexity of Rats: Rats are intelligent creatures with complex behaviors and social structures, but their presence in urban areas is often due to human negligence and poor waste management.
Rats, despite being often perceived as pests, are fascinating creatures with complex behaviors and social structures. They are intelligent, capable of showing altruism, and have emotions like humans. However, their presence in urban areas is often a result of human negligence and poor waste management. The rodentologist in the conversation emphasizes the sadness of seeing rats thrive in cities due to human irresponsibility. He takes pride in his work and admires rats for their success in adapting to their environments. The conversation also touches upon the possibility of the rodentologist consulting for rodent-themed entertainment. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of recognizing the intelligence and complexity of rats and addressing the root causes of their presence in urban areas.
Exploring the importance of asking questions and personal connections: Asking insightful questions can lead to profound discoveries and emotional connections. Personal relationships can bring significant changes in one's life.
Asking knowledgeable experts insightful questions can lead to profound discoveries and emotional connections. This was emphasized during the conversation with Dr. Robert Corrigan, or Bobby, the rodentologist, who can be found on Twitter @rodentologist. The importance of asking questions is further highlighted by the community of supporters behind the Ologies podcast, including Patreon subscribers, transcribers, interview coordinators, and producers. Additionally, personal connections can also bring about significant changes in one's life. A surprise announcement during the episode revealed that Jared Sleeper, a long-time friend and assistant editor of the podcast, is now Jared Sleeper, the fiancé of Alie Ward, the podcast host. This unexpected turn of events showcases the depth of their relationship and the unexpected twists that life can bring. The podcast, Ologies, explores various fields of study, from hachodermatology to cryptozoology, and encourages listeners to seek knowledge and ask questions. It's a reminder that life is short, and we should make the most of every moment, whether it's by asking a rodentologist about rats or expressing our feelings to a loved one.
