Meet the Rat Squad: Tiny Heroes in Training

A Belgian nonprofit has started training rats to become the newest members of search and rescue teams. These small animals will soon help find survivors after earthquakes, building collapses, and other disasters.

Smart Backpacks for Small Heroes

The rats aren't just running into danger empty-handed. Each one wears a tiny smart backpack loaded with helpful tools. These backpacks have location tracking, two-way microphones, and cameras.

When a rat finds someone trapped in rubble, it has been taught to flip a switch on its gear. This turns on location tracking so that human rescuers know exactly where to find the survivor. The microphones also let trapped people talk directly with rescue teams above ground.

Training the Rescue Squad

Becoming a rescue rat takes time and practice. Each rat trains for about 15 minutes every day. The full training program lasts between 9 and 12 months before a rat is ready for real rescue missions.

Why Rats Make Perfect Rescuers

Rats might seem like an odd choice for rescue work, but they have special skills that make them perfect for the job. Their small size allows them to squeeze into tight spaces where even rescue dogs can't go. This could be a huge advantage when searching through collapsed buildings where survivors might be trapped in small pockets.

The Rescue Rats program could change how search and rescue teams work in the future. These small animals might soon be the difference between life and death for people trapped after disasters.

With their smart equipment and special training, these rats are proving that heroes come in all sizes. The next time you see a rat, remember that its cousin might be training to save lives somewhere in Belgium.