22 thoughts on “The ablutions of a mutant rodent”

    1. We do behavioral studies using a hairless strain. In fact, I’ve worked with them so long, the furry strains look funny to me. Anyway, these are some of the most laid back rats you’ll ever find.

  5. Apparently rats give a rat’s back for water.

    Funny to see hair washing movements in a naked animal. (He says, scratching his cheek.)

  6. So the question is, would any hirsute rat behave the same way? In the distant past I’ve seen them swimming, and IIRC, they take the first opportunity to get out of the water.

    1. I don’t pretend to know if rats in general like water, but they don’t seem to have any issues enduring it, and they are very good swimmers.

  7. I am not an animal behaviorist, but it sure seems like it is enjoying itself. The music is perfect. The kids will be laughing all the way through this one.

  8. Meanwhile, back at the Cornell hawk cam, the nest is bare! Chick #3 fledged yesterday evening.

  9. This is as epic as the Orvillecopter (also on YouTube). Slightly more animate, of course. 😉

  10. That’s typical rat behavior, even though it’s an atypical rat. Fortunately they usually do this at a nearby stream or something and not in your bathroom sink.

    1. Noms have been established as a topic of the website. Its good to wash up before dinner.

  15. I live in the high mountain desert, so what I’m thinking when I see the vid is the waste of all that drinking water.

Comments are closed.