Bomb Sniffing Rats
Too small to set of the bombs, but smart enough to indicated a bomb is present, Gambian poached rats are taught to sniff out explosive devices. Trained from five weeks of age, they can two days worth of work in only 30 minutes. The rats are already working in Mozambique, Africa.
Photo and link via telegraph.co.uk.
I like rats. I’ve kept them as pets (and killed them in research labs… but I still like them).
But I fear them. Ever since I read a piece in the paper (probably twenty years ago) about how rat colonies in the Paris sewers had designated poison tasters who would sacrifice themselves for the rest of the colony.
Anything that smart should not be let loose near explosives.
The cutest thing ever, or only this week. You decide.
I saw this a while back, and its an interesting and intuitive Idea. I would seriously like one of these as a pet, but I checked up on it, and its probably more hassle than its worth, as they apparently need attention on a par with a dog, or can turn super, super destructive.
@Cat Vincent
I’ve had several pairs of dumbos, hairless and basic varieties at one time or another (currently ratless). Very smart and the best small pet I’ve ever had.
@VertigoJones
.. they apparently need attention on a par with a dog, or can turn super, super destructive.
That makes sense, because the smarter they are the more stimulation/attention they will need.