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Scientists Taught Rats How To Play Hide And Seek And Found Out They Actually Really Enjoy Playing
Hide and Seek is probably one of the most popular games in the world. You’ve played it, we’ve played it, little Timmy, who always tried to be sneaky and cheat, played it. Even new parents and their relatives get to relive the excitement by playing hide and seek with their children! Besides it being genuinely fun, there is a heap of science backing up how beneficial it is to a developing body and mind. In fact, hide and seek is such a universal game that it transcends all barriers of language, age, and even species.
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Scientists in Berlin taught rats how to play hide and seek in order to understand their behavior better
Image credits: Humboldt-Universität Berlin
Michael Brecht, a Neuroscientist from Humboldt University in Berlin, stumbled upon some YouTube videos of pet owners playing with their rats. Many of them noted that their beloved animals love playing games, including hide-and-seek. Previous research has already concluded that rats enjoy rowdy games, but hide-and-seek is a complex game as it has specific rules and roles.
Image credits: Tambako The Jaguar (not the actual photo)
Brecht, with the help of his colleagues, set up an enclosed 30-square-meter playground with little shelters as well as transparent and opaque boxes. These served as hiding places for the rats. There were also a handful of hiding places for the experiment’s game master, Annika Stefanie Reinhold, as she was the one teaching them the ropes of hide-and-seek.
Image credits: Sue (not the actual photo)
Six rats were selected for this experiment. The game began with a rat being put into a lidded box. As soon as Reinhold hides, the box is opened remotely and the rat would jump out to look for her. The rats were rewarded with pats and tickles for finding the game master.
Image credits: Marco Nedermeijer (not the actual photo)
Then the roles change—the rat becomes the hider. Reinhold would crouch beside the now open box, letting the rat jump out and go hide in one of the prepared hiding places.
Image credits: Mike (not the actual photo)
In just 2 weeks of this experiment, five out of six rats knew how to play hide and seek in either of these two roles. They followed the rules of one rat seeking and others hiding and switching between these roles after the seeker has found the hiders.
Image credits: David Ascher (not the actual photo)
Most rough and tumble games, which the rats enjoy, do not include such elements as roles, rules and strategy, which, in contrast, is a huge part of hide and seek. This alone hints at how complex rat behavior can actually get. Neural tests also pinpointed the specific areas of the rat’s brain that processes such information as learning rules.
Image credits: Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center (not the actual photo)
Previous studies on rats also support the complexity of their brain. Another study—also covered by Bored Panda—has shown that rats are capable of expressing empathy towards other rats. The behaviors studied in this experiment involved one rat releasing another one from an enclosure. One case even records the saving rat also sharing its chocolate treat with the saved one.
Image credits: Tambako The Jaguar (not the actual photo)
When asked whether the rats are doing this for fun, or because they are treated to a pet and a tickle, Brecht explained that the rats were jumping out of joy—something many mammals do when they are happy. They would also run off to a new hiding spot after being found without receiving a reward, thus prolonging the game. So, who said science can’t be fun?
Here’s the footage from the experiment in the video below
This is one of the videos that inspired the experiment
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What do you think ?
Hans 5 years ago
Whoever thinks that rats are gross likely has not seen enough from them!
Load More Replies...
Lynzi Oliver-Musto 5 years ago
You said it! How many rats do you see cutting down rain forests? Or making other animals suffer for their own vanity? Only us humans are so inhumane.
Load More Replies...
Bettina Jansen 5 years ago
Now this is the kind of scientific research using animals I want to see more of :)
tuzdayschild 5 years ago
Why are we always so surprised that other animals love life as much as we do.
Katinka Min 5 years ago
Rats are great. I read that they are the only rodent that actually enjoys being picked up and petted by a human. A colleague told me they aare like miniature dogs, but unfortunately, they dont grow older than a few years. I think, nce I am too old and frail to have cats or dogs, I'll have rats. :-)
Lynzi Oliver-Musto 5 years ago
They ARE great but the information about them being the only rodent that likes being petted is SO wrong! I used to keep nice and the minute I opened the cage door, they would come running to play. I could sit with my arm through the gap and they would run up and down, curl up in my hair or on my collar or just tuck themselves into a fold of my clothes. One of the male mice even used to go to the local shops with my ex, riding in the pocket of his shirt or on his shoulder, tucked under his sweater. One of the females was so fond of me that when she had babies, or one of her cagemates did (my ladies all lived together. That's not as easy with male mice, they often fight) she would wait until I put my hand in the cage to say good morning, then carry the babies over to place them on my hand. I don't know if it was pride or if she simply regarded me as one of them and wanted to include me but her behaviour in thi,s and in many other ways, c made me rethink my ideas about their intelligence.
Load More Replies...
Jackie Wacky 5 years ago
Rats are very clever - that’s probably why they have survived so long.
Felicia Dale 5 years ago
And... along with this lovely, heartwarming article is an advertisement for getting rid (killing) rats. These algorithms really need some tweaking! My sister and I had a white lab rat as kids. She was gentle and sweet and lived a long time for a rat back then, about three years. Rats are cool.
Andrea Careless 4 years ago
I had a white lab rat that lived five years! I think lab rats are healthier. Most of the later rats I bought from stores died much younger -- due to mycoplasma pneumonia, which is very common among rats.
Load More Replies...
Cindy Collins 5 years ago
Rats are with out a doubt one of the cutest animals and make great pets! My daughter was studying to be a vet technician, and yes they do use rats to practice injections one. But once that ended, they all get adopted by the students. We got two brothers and and named them Rufus and Felix, and i just love them so much! They are so smart, so friendly, and just love to cuddle! I will always have two as pets now! And the love hiding under the couch! Felix-and-...730091.jpg 
Claire 5 years ago
It is so hard. I had to put my rat Fin down last Friday, but though it hurts to do that, I don't regret a single moment with her. In my opinion, the pain is worth the few happy years with them and giving them a good life.
Load More Replies...
Kath Moulder 5 years ago
I knew this already because I have kept rats as pets. They're incredibly intelligent and loving companions.
TheExtremeSmell 5 years ago
I still stand by my wish that rats lived much longer lives. They could be so useful if all that knowledge they learned didn’t have to be retaught to a new rat every few years
Claire 5 years ago
This is nice, but it is again one of those things that scientists found out years after animal people. Just last night my rats Cricket and Fennec were playing hide and seek and tag. It wasn't as complex as this because only Cricket would hide and Fennec would always be 'it' (she was in heat and really enjoyed being a huge tease to him). Cricket would hide in one of the boxes in my room and Fennec would try to find her and when he did she'd dart out and, after making sure he was following, run away so he could chase. I guess it is more hide-and-go-seek than actual hide-and-seek.
Mommyofboth 5 years ago
I would love to have a pet rat. They are smart and can have a very good temperament if bred correctly.
Cactuar Jon 5 years ago
It's absolutely true that ethical breeding helps a lot in achieving rats with good temperament, but even a rat that has come from a wild background has the ability to become an incredibly loving rat if given the time and attention they deserve 😊
Load More Replies...
Grace Slagle 5 years ago
I feel like scientists are just trying to come up with excuses to play with the test subjects. Rats laugh when they are tickled, rats like Hide and Seek. Yeah, you guys. Rats are cute. Now when are the cat-girls coming? XDDDD
Beth Schmidt 5 years ago
Dr. Pol said rats can become very bonded with their owners. I had no clue.
Judy Price 5 years ago
Okay, so I was reading about a study on the effects of masturbation on testosterone levels in men. Nothing crazy there, right? Then I see that it was conducted using rats Say what now? o.0 So many questions, so many possibilities that all come with rather vivid imagery. Do rats naturally masturbate? Were they taught to? Was there a low level, new guy scientist acting as a rat "fluffer"? Do the rats get any work done nowadays?
Caren Johnson 5 years ago
Rats are the best little friends! I loved my roses, it's so tragic they have such short lifespans
Grace Bosko 5 years ago
Rats are such intelligent creatures and are so adorable. I used to have them as pets, I cried when they died.
April Simnel 5 years ago (edited)
Suddenly I want to re-read "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH". What smart little guys! I'm glad they're having fun.
Dellaneira Simamora 5 years ago
once i was lying on my bed upside down and make eye contact with a big a*s rat i scream he want me to chase him
neverbeenbored 5 years ago
My guess is so that her hands showed up better in the video so people could be sure of what her hands are doing exactly (ie: providing evidence of maintaining control factors, not cheating).
Load More Replies... Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago
Those are the cutest pictures ever! This and the "brilliant teacher" post are totally the antidote for reading "Stupid things written about women". I feel human again.
Mary Jaye 4 years ago
My cat loves to play hide and seek. She hides in really obvious places but I pretend I can't find her. Tho sometimes I can't find her. He likes to hide in certain places over and over a lot though. Sometimes I'm in the living room and I am you and it's because she's hiding and she wants me to find her.
Dave Murdock 5 years ago
If you have kept rats and spend time interacting with them it is very obvious that they enjoy playing.
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
I once cat- and rat-sat for a friend. The cat was old and cranky, but the rats were so much fun. If multiple cats are kitties are multiple rats ritties? That’s what I’ve taken to calling them.
Bored Moogle 5 years ago
Well, aside from monkeys and apes, rats are our next closest relatives.
Mara Harmsen 5 years ago
My daughter had a rat years ago… AND SHE IS NOT A SCIENTIST.. and her rat was playing hide and seek with her and the cat back then ….so why this expensive research….??
Hans 5 years ago
Whoever thinks that rats are gross likely has not seen enough from them!
Load More Replies... Lynzi Oliver-Musto 5 years ago
You said it! How many rats do you see cutting down rain forests? Or making other animals suffer for their own vanity? Only us humans are so inhumane.
Load More Replies... Bettina Jansen 5 years ago
Now this is the kind of scientific research using animals I want to see more of :)
tuzdayschild 5 years ago
Why are we always so surprised that other animals love life as much as we do.
Katinka Min 5 years ago
Rats are great. I read that they are the only rodent that actually enjoys being picked up and petted by a human. A colleague told me they aare like miniature dogs, but unfortunately, they dont grow older than a few years. I think, nce I am too old and frail to have cats or dogs, I'll have rats. :-)
Lynzi Oliver-Musto 5 years ago
They ARE great but the information about them being the only rodent that likes being petted is SO wrong! I used to keep nice and the minute I opened the cage door, they would come running to play. I could sit with my arm through the gap and they would run up and down, curl up in my hair or on my collar or just tuck themselves into a fold of my clothes. One of the male mice even used to go to the local shops with my ex, riding in the pocket of his shirt or on his shoulder, tucked under his sweater. One of the females was so fond of me that when she had babies, or one of her cagemates did (my ladies all lived together. That's not as easy with male mice, they often fight) she would wait until I put my hand in the cage to say good morning, then carry the babies over to place them on my hand. I don't know if it was pride or if she simply regarded me as one of them and wanted to include me but her behaviour in thi,s and in many other ways, c made me rethink my ideas about their intelligence.
Load More Replies... Jackie Wacky 5 years ago
Rats are very clever - that’s probably why they have survived so long.
Felicia Dale 5 years ago
And... along with this lovely, heartwarming article is an advertisement for getting rid (killing) rats. These algorithms really need some tweaking! My sister and I had a white lab rat as kids. She was gentle and sweet and lived a long time for a rat back then, about three years. Rats are cool.
Andrea Careless 4 years ago
I had a white lab rat that lived five years! I think lab rats are healthier. Most of the later rats I bought from stores died much younger -- due to mycoplasma pneumonia, which is very common among rats.
Load More Replies... Cindy Collins 5 years ago
Rats are with out a doubt one of the cutest animals and make great pets! My daughter was studying to be a vet technician, and yes they do use rats to practice injections one. But once that ended, they all get adopted by the students. We got two brothers and and named them Rufus and Felix, and i just love them so much! They are so smart, so friendly, and just love to cuddle! I will always have two as pets now! And the love hiding under the couch! Felix-and-...730091.jpg
Claire 5 years ago
It is so hard. I had to put my rat Fin down last Friday, but though it hurts to do that, I don't regret a single moment with her. In my opinion, the pain is worth the few happy years with them and giving them a good life.
Load More Replies... Kath Moulder 5 years ago
I knew this already because I have kept rats as pets. They're incredibly intelligent and loving companions.
TheExtremeSmell 5 years ago
I still stand by my wish that rats lived much longer lives. They could be so useful if all that knowledge they learned didn’t have to be retaught to a new rat every few years
Claire 5 years ago
This is nice, but it is again one of those things that scientists found out years after animal people. Just last night my rats Cricket and Fennec were playing hide and seek and tag. It wasn't as complex as this because only Cricket would hide and Fennec would always be 'it' (she was in heat and really enjoyed being a huge tease to him). Cricket would hide in one of the boxes in my room and Fennec would try to find her and when he did she'd dart out and, after making sure he was following, run away so he could chase. I guess it is more hide-and-go-seek than actual hide-and-seek.
Mommyofboth 5 years ago
I would love to have a pet rat. They are smart and can have a very good temperament if bred correctly.
Cactuar Jon 5 years ago
It's absolutely true that ethical breeding helps a lot in achieving rats with good temperament, but even a rat that has come from a wild background has the ability to become an incredibly loving rat if given the time and attention they deserve 😊
Load More Replies... Grace Slagle 5 years ago
I feel like scientists are just trying to come up with excuses to play with the test subjects. Rats laugh when they are tickled, rats like Hide and Seek. Yeah, you guys. Rats are cute. Now when are the cat-girls coming? XDDDD
Beth Schmidt 5 years ago
Dr. Pol said rats can become very bonded with their owners. I had no clue.
Judy Price 5 years ago
Okay, so I was reading about a study on the effects of masturbation on testosterone levels in men. Nothing crazy there, right? Then I see that it was conducted using rats Say what now? o.0 So many questions, so many possibilities that all come with rather vivid imagery. Do rats naturally masturbate? Were they taught to? Was there a low level, new guy scientist acting as a rat "fluffer"? Do the rats get any work done nowadays?
Caren Johnson 5 years ago
Rats are the best little friends! I loved my roses, it's so tragic they have such short lifespans
Grace Bosko 5 years ago
Rats are such intelligent creatures and are so adorable. I used to have them as pets, I cried when they died.
April Simnel 5 years ago (edited)
Suddenly I want to re-read "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH". What smart little guys! I'm glad they're having fun.
Dellaneira Simamora 5 years ago
once i was lying on my bed upside down and make eye contact with a big a*s rat i scream he want me to chase him
neverbeenbored 5 years ago
My guess is so that her hands showed up better in the video so people could be sure of what her hands are doing exactly (ie: providing evidence of maintaining control factors, not cheating).
Load More Replies... Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago
Those are the cutest pictures ever! This and the "brilliant teacher" post are totally the antidote for reading "Stupid things written about women". I feel human again.
Mary Jaye 4 years ago
My cat loves to play hide and seek. She hides in really obvious places but I pretend I can't find her. Tho sometimes I can't find her. He likes to hide in certain places over and over a lot though. Sometimes I'm in the living room and I am you and it's because she's hiding and she wants me to find her.
Dave Murdock 5 years ago
If you have kept rats and spend time interacting with them it is very obvious that they enjoy playing.
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
I once cat- and rat-sat for a friend. The cat was old and cranky, but the rats were so much fun. If multiple cats are kitties are multiple rats ritties? That’s what I’ve taken to calling them.
Bored Moogle 5 years ago
Well, aside from monkeys and apes, rats are our next closest relatives.
Mara Harmsen 5 years ago
My daughter had a rat years ago… AND SHE IS NOT A SCIENTIST.. and her rat was playing hide and seek with her and the cat back then ….so why this expensive research….??
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