Common Rats Develop Deadly New Hunting Technique
Scientists in Germany have witnessed a disturbing new behaviour among common brown rats that could have far-reaching consequences for both wildlife and human health. Researchers observed rats systematically hunting and killing bats in complete darkness, demonstrating predatory skills never before documented in European rodents.
Using night-vision infrared cameras, the team from the Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science recorded rats ambushing bats as they entered two caves in Germany. The rodents displayed remarkable agility, leaping into the air to catch the nocturnal creatures mid-flight.
The Mechanics of a Dark Hunt
The research revealed that rats have developed an sophisticated hunting method that compensates for their inability to see in pitch-black conditions. The predators use their whiskers to detect bats in complete darkness, then snatch them from the air with their paws before delivering lethal neck bites.
During their observations, scientists documented rats successfully catching 13 of the 30 bats they hunted. The study concluded that just 15 rats hunting in this manner could theoretically wipe out between 2,000 to 8,000 bats over a single winter, potentially causing local bat populations to collapse.
Researchers discovered hidden stashes of half-eaten bat bodies at both study sites. At the Segeberger Kalkberg cave in Northern Germany, they found remains of at least 52 bats, while similar caches were uncovered at the Lüneburger Kalkberg cave.
Pandemic Risks and Human Health Concerns
The most alarming aspect of this discovery involves potential disease transmission. Both rats and bats are known reservoirs for numerous zoonotic pathogens, including coronaviruses and paramyxoviruses.
Scientists warn that these predation events create direct contact between two significant wildlife reservoirs in urban settings, potentially allowing viruses to jump species. Bats naturally carry dangerous viruses including Ebola, henipaviruses with 75% mortality rates, and fatal rabies strains, all without showing symptoms themselves.
While no immediate danger to humans has been identified, researchers caution that rats could begin spreading bat-borne pathogens through their urine, droppings, saliva, or bites. Unlike historical plagues that required flea intermediaries, most modern rat-borne viruses spread directly to humans.
Urban Implications and Solutions
The threat extends beyond Germany, as nearly every major city worldwide hosts both rat and bat populations. In the United States alone, millions of rats are estimated to inhabit cities like New York, while bats occupy diverse urban environments including parks, bridges, and buildings.
Researchers emphasise that solutions are straightforward: proper food waste management, rat-proof garbage containers, sealing access points to caves, and targeted rat control measures that protect native wildlife.
Quick action around bat hibernation sites will protect vulnerable bat populations, reduce potential disease mutations between species, and enhance safety for both wildlife and human communities.
