What happened to the Rat King?
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The Rat King, a rare and fascinating phenomenon where a group of rats become entangled together by their tails, has been a subject of interest and debate among scientists and the general public alike, with the most recent recorded instance being humanely euthanized at Tartu University due to the rats’ inability to free themselves. The Rat King was subsequently added to the Tartu University Museum of Zoology collection, providing a unique opportunity for further study and research into this natural, albeit extremely rare, phenomenon.
Introduction to the Rat King
Background and History
The Rat King has a long and intriguing history, with the first recorded instance dating back to 1564 in Germany, and since then, there have been 61 documented cases, with the most recent one found in Estonia in 2021.
FAQs about the Rat King
General Questions
- How is the Rat King killed?: The Rat King is a formidable opponent and requires significant effort to defeat, with bombs, flamethrower ammunition, and incendiary rounds being the most effective methods.
- Will the Rat King be in The Last of Us show?: While there is no confirmation, it is possible that the Rat King may appear in The Last of Us season 2, given its significance in the game.
- How many rat kings have been found?: There have been 58 reliable Rat Kings recorded, with six preserved for public display, and the number of individuals in each specimen ranging from 3 to the low 30s.
The Rat King in Popular Culture
- What is the story behind the Rat King?: The Rat King has its roots in folklore, dating back to the plague years, where it was seen as an omen of death.
- Is King Rat Based on a true story?: The novel King Rat by James Clavell is based on his own experiences as a WWII POW in Singapore.
- Can rats survive a rat king?: Unfortunately, once a Rat King forms, it becomes challenging for the rats to survive, and they often die due to the entanglement and subsequent decay.
The Rat King in The Last of Us
- Which Last of Us has the Rat King?: The Rat King appears in The Last of Us 2, as a grotesque enemy and a representation of the peak of Cordyceps infection.
- Was Rat King Patient Zero?: According to Nora’s comments, the Rat King is composed of the first infected people in Seattle, making it a significant element in the game’s storyline.
- How long was the Rat King Infected?: The Rat King is rumored to have taken over 25 years to form, making it a nearly impossible opponent to defeat.
Biology and Behavior
- Do Rat Kings still happen?: Despite being extremely rare, Rat Kings can still occur naturally, as evidenced by the 2021 discovery in Estonia.
- How common is Rat King?: Rat Kings are very rare, with as many as 32 rats found joined together in this way, and are sometimes believed to be mythical.
- What does a real rat king look like?: A Rat King is a collection of rats whose tails are intertwined and bound together, typically occurring when young rats get their tails entangled.
Dealing with Rat Kings
- How do rats become rat kings?: Rat Kings form when rats bundle together for heat during the winter, causing their tails to become entangled.
- How do you deal with a rat king?: When encountering a Rat King in The Last of Us 2, players should use Pipe Bombs to temporarily stun it and create distance to avoid its attacks.
- Can rats come out of the toilet?: Yes, rats can come out of the toilet if the lid is raised, and it is also possible for larger rats to lift the lid and exit the toilet in search of food.