In a curious turn of events, a once-mysterious imprint on the streets of Chicago has been identified as more than just a whimsical occurrence; researchers now suggest it was most likely created by an eastern grey squirrel. This peculiar mark, affectionately dubbed “Splatatouille” after a public naming contest, has captured the attention of animal lovers and scientists alike, especially after a comedian shared an image of it on social media in early 2024.
The imprint in question, which appeared on West Roscoe Street, was assumed to have been made decades ago but gained renewed interest before being removed as city officials deemed the pavement damaged and in need of replacement. While sad for those intrigued by the unusual artifact, researchers at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, set out to learn more about the creature that once rested their paws in the wet concrete.
Identifying the Imprint: A Methodical Approach
The study, published in the journal Biology Letters, skews towards the analytical. Led by Dr. Michael Granatosky, the research team evaluated a list of 37 mammal species observed in Chicago. They focused on identifying which animals could conceivably leave such an imprint, narrowing it down to eight candidates that had physical characteristics aligning with those seen in the Splatatouille imprint.
Among these candidates were the brown rat, eastern grey and fox squirrels, eastern chipmunks, and muskrats. Notably absent from the list were rarer species, ruling them out as potential sculptors of the infamous imprint. The researchers meticulously took measurements of anatomical features from publicly available photographs of the imprint, then compared them to preserved specimens—the “museum skins”—of the eight identified species.
A Surprising Conclusion: The Eastern Grey Squirrel
The findings were insightful yet largely unsurprising. While none of the imprints matched perfectly with the measurements, the eastern grey squirrel emerged as the prime suspect due to its prevalence in urban Chicago. Granatosky alluded to the eastern grey squirrel being more common than its competitors; hence, it became the recommended candidate for the distinction of “windy city sidewalk squirrel,” a name he believes more accurately reflects the origins of the imprint.
Considering that the wet concrete would have altered the shape and size of the imprint, researchers believe this accounts for its slightly larger-than-expected dimensions for a typical squirrel. This makes sense given the context; the imprint was made during a time when the concrete was still unset, allowing for more distortion.
The Circumstances of Creation
The nature of the imprint sheds light on the unfortunate circumstances surrounding its creation. Analysis revealed that there were no tracks leading away from the imprint, hinting strongly that the creature likely died at the moment of the impact. However, Granatosky explains that the imprint’s sudden appearance may have been due to the animal falling from a height, which aligns with the presence of nearby trees. This notion provides insight into squirrel behavior, where they often interact closely with the urban landscape, navigating trees and overhead structures.
Interestingly, while the imprint showed no clear evidence of a bushy tail—an iconic feature of squirrels—the researchers stated that finer details like this are often lost in concrete. The conditions necessary to preserve minute characteristics are typically present in finer mediums such as mud or silt rather than in dense concrete.
A Broader Commentary on Science and Observations
While at first glance this study appears to delve into a somewhat trivial exploration of an animal imprint, its implications resonate through the corridors of scientific inquiry. Dr. Granatosky emphasizes that the topic demonstrates the versatility of science in addressing diverse questions, showcasing how even seemingly frivolous issues can lead to valuable insights about our world and the organisms that inhabit it.
Moreover, the study emphasizes an important principle in studies of traces left behind by organisms, often referring to the field of paleontology. Just like fossils reveal their secrets over time, the interpretation of modern animal traces can lead to complex conclusions—each footprint, each impression carries a story that could be lost without careful scientific investigation.
Conclusion
As Chicago’s “Splatatouille” finds its true identity, it serves as a reminder of the intricacies of urban wildlife and the often-overlooked connections we share with the animal kingdom. Researchers have transformed this quirky anecdote into an enlightening case study, offering an unsuspected lesson in science about observation, interpretation, and the ongoing journey to understand our natural surroundings.
Questions about the future of urban wildlife remain, but the identity of the imprinted creature has been unveiled. The eastern grey squirrel, a common yet endearing part of city life, has taken a dash of fame. As we continue to explore the intersections of nature and urban environments, moments like this reveal the ongoing dance between humanity and the world of animals, an ongoing tale captured in the most unexpected of places—like a footprint in the concrete.
