Rats trained to rescue survivors trapped during earthquakes

In a unique scientific project, "talented" mice are trained to rescue people trapped during earthquakes as part of an experiment that wants to take advantage of these rodents' intelligence and ability to get into even the smallest places.

The experiment directs a group of talented rats to enter affected areas using location-tracking tools in order to locate survivors.

The mice have been trained to respond to whistling sounds and are equipped with small backpacks as well as microphones so that people can communicate with rescue workers.

The project, which was prepared in Glasgow/Scotland, is run by Dr. Donna Keane in cooperation with a non-profit organization called APOPO, where the animals are to be sent to Turkey for use in the field, due to the frequent earthquakes there.

"The rats can get into small spaces where there may be victims buried under the rubble," Kane said, noting that work is taking place on a mock site of the wreckage.

Speaking of the animals themselves, she said, "They can live on anything. They are very good at surviving in different environments which shows their suitability for search and rescue work, and they are very trainable, the first stage is training to go back to the starting point and respond to whistling ...there is a misconception that they are filthy and unhealthy. We take good care of them, they are social animals."

The organization hopes that the project will succeed, as it is the only organization that works with this type of animal, noting that it is ready in the event of an earthquake to work.

"We're the only organization that works with this species, and there are other dog training organizations out there. We hope it saves lives, and the results are really promising," she concluded.

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