«The rat king» is a rare natural phenomenon in which several rats or mice become entangled by their tails, forming a knot that restricts their movement. The name is also used in mythology and literature, denoting both a group of rodents and something symbolic. Cause: The appearance of a «rat king» is linked to various factors, for example a cold climate, when rats sleep in a cramped space and their tails freeze together or get glued by moisture, blood or food remains.
Consequences: The fused animals cannot move normally or obtain food, and so often die.
Physical structure: «Rat kings» can consist of groups of different sizes, from two to several dozen individuals.
05.12.2025
