Why Do Rats Help Other Rats?

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that rats show empathy toward other rats, even if they aren’t the same species. Researchers have attributed this trait to environmental factors, not genetics. The researchers say this could be an important insight into how empathy functions in humans. Moreover, the finding may have implications for human societies.

The researchers found that rats showed empathy toward one another without any apparent ulterior motive. This behavior continued even when the experimental set-up was altered. In the same experiment, rats tended to touch their freed cagemates after being trapped, but the touch had no benefit. In addition, the trapped rat’s plaintive calls were infrequent enough that it was impossible to determine whether the free rat was simply trying to get some peace and quiet. The results of the experiments suggest that rats can share the distress of a fellow rat and dampen their own natural anxiety to offer help. However, this behavior could also be dangerous because it could lead to paralysis.

This behavior can also be observed in foster rats. While familiarity with the strain does not motivate rats to help strangers, the social interaction with the other rat is critical in determining their pro-social behavior.