Rats' Mass Drowning Acts as Survival Strategy for the Colony

In times of flooding or potential drowning hazards, the behavior exhibited by rodents—particularly rats—has been surprising and awe-inspiring. Their adaptive survival methods, though seemingly counterintuitive, prove to be brilliantly effective.

Rat Kings: An Adaptive Phenomenon

During flooding scenarios, groups of rats have been observed forming clusters, colloquially known as "rat kings." This phenomenon involves flood-threatened rodents huddling together, creating a pile atop one another for warmth and buoyancy.

Sacrifice and Survival

A notable aspect of this behavior is that the rats at the bottom of the pile often sacrifice themselves, allowing those higher up to survive. This act of self-sacrifice ensures that at least some members of the group can continue to live. However, not all instances of rat kings involve individual sacrifice. Sometimes, several rodents become physically intertwined due to sticky substances or tangled fur.

Historical Account

One of the most famous historical accounts of a Scandinavian rat king dates back to 1828. This preserved specimen consisted of 32 rats stuck together via frozen excrement. While it may be a horrifying sight, it stands as an astounding testament to the raw survival instincts innate in nature.

Explanations and Theories

There are fringe explanations for these phenomena, including supernatural theories, but the most likely explanations are grounded in biology and evolution. According to Ken Catania of Vanderbilt University, mammals cluster together when faced with danger or highly stressful situations. This instinct increases their chances of survival by providing warmth and protection against predators.

Modern Occurrences

Modern accounts of rat kings are not widespread, as this behavior typically occurs in environments where large populations of rats are exposed to regular floods. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that such occurrences may be more frequent during extreme weather events associated with climate change.

References

1. K. Catania. "Measurements and inferences on the role of whiskers in rat compensatory beam walking after all over vibrissectomy." Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee. 
2. Kai Erikson, "Everything in Its Path: Destruction of Community in the Buffalo Creek Flood."

Conclusion

The behavior of rats during flooding is a remarkable display of their survival instincts. Whether through self-sacrifice or becoming entangled, these creatures exhibit a profound ability to adapt and survive extreme adversity.