The Entangled History of Humans and Rats

19th Century London

• In 1851, Jack Black, a famed showman, claimed to be Queen Victoria's authorized rat catcher.
• Known for his ability to capture rats with bare hands, he performed for captivated crowds.

Origins of Brown and Black Rats

• Brown and black rats originated 1 to 3 million years ago in Asia.
• Survived the ice age and began cohabiting with humans.
• Symbolize new beginnings in the Chinese zodiac.
• Both species can adapt to diverse climates and diets.

Rat Migration via Trade Routes

• Black rats traveled from India to Egypt about 5,000 years ago.
• Trade brought black rats to Europe by 300 CE, along with diseases.
• The Black Death in the late 1340s, spread partly by fleas on rats, decimated Europe's population.

Brown Rats' Arrival and Adaptation

• Brown rats were popular as pets in Japan before arriving in Europe between the 13th and 18th centuries.
• A 1727 earthquake possibly led their entry into Russia.
• Displaced black rats in Europe and North America by competing for resources.

Rats During Industrial Revolution

• Thrived in expanding cities and developed resistance to poisons.
• The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia bred the first lab rat strain in 1906.

Rats in Scientific Research

• Highly valued in labs due to biological similarities to humans.
• Contributed to neuroscience, especially in understanding neuroplasticity in the 1960s.

Rats Today

• Regarded as a highly successful invasive species.
• Despite extermination efforts, remain a constant urban presence.

Conclusion

• Human efforts have been unable to completely eradicate rats, continuing their pervasive existence alongside humans.