Scientists Have Taught Rats To Play Hide-And-Seek

Ever imagined playing with animals who know how to play hide-and-seek. A group of scientists in Berlin has recently turned that imagination to a reality!

A new study shows that lab rats play hide-and-seek for fun, and scientists taught them how! Over a period of two weeks, the team of scientists carefully taught the small creatures the game. And to their surprise, the rats did very well in the experiment.

Neurobiologist, Michael Brecht of the Humboldt University of Berlin got the idea from YouTube. There were plenty of pet owners who taught their pets some tricks including playing hide-and-seek. According to Brecht, the rats execute what is known as “joy jumps”. It is an action that “a lot of mammals do when they are having fun.”

The rats reportedly performed and developed certain strategies such as revisiting spots that other participants have previously taken. Brecht says that ” the rats assume different roles, follow rules and even strategize about where to hide”.

The experiment is a major breakthrough in understanding more about animal intelligence. At the same time, it’s also a great way to make anyone’s day to watch these adorable lab rats play hide-and-seek.