But the Windy City’s “rat hole” may not be what it seems. New research into the identity of the creature that caused a sidewalk imprint when it fell into freshly poured cement suggests the culprit is an entirely different city dweller. Much lore surrounds the Chicago rat hole, also dubbed “Splatatouille” during a public naming contest.

Rodents are opportunistic and will gnaw through drywall, insulation and wiring. Sometimes they even gnaw through siding and nest in insulation. They also leave droppings and urine behind, which besides being disgusting can contaminate food. Diseases and parasites such as Salmonella, hantavirus, fleas, and ticks are spread by rodents.