A Rat in Need is a Friend Indeed

Mekell Mikell   |   Last Updated: January 8, 2016
Photo: Flicker, Charles Jeffrey Danoff
It’s good when a rat has your back. In a series of tests, a majority of rats ignored tempting chocolate goodies in order to free other cagemates. After the rodent rescue, the critters shared the sweet treats with each other.

This study on rodent behavior,  which appears in the journal Science, builds support for the notion that animals can feel empathy. Given this research, calling someone a rat may not be such a bad thing after all.

You can show empathy by helping out some furry and feathered friends in need. Visit our Action Center to be a friend to wildlife.

 

 

 

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Published: December 9, 2011