Chicago “rat hole” The imprint of a rodent made in a 20–30-year-old sidewalk slab rose to fame in 2024 after Chicago-based artist Winslow Dumaine shared a photo of this remarkably clear impression on social media. (more) Was Chicago’s ‘Rat Hole’ Really Made by a Rat? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Was-Chicagos-Rat-Hole-Really-Made-by-a-Rat Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by John P. Rafferty John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to... John P. Rafferty Fact-checked by Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct. 16, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot The city of Chicago is known for many things: the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, 1930s gangster Al Capone, the Democratic political machine, the city’s storied sports teams, and most recently, the Chicago “rat hole.” The hole itself, which appeared in a 20–30-year-old sidewalk slab located in the North Side neighborhood of Roscoe Village, is a remarkable imprint made by a hapless rodent that became stuck in wet concrete, clearly showing the shape of the...

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