Mankind's new best friend?

[Capt Caveman]

Pretty cool article and vids on how Giant Rats are used to save human lives. Look like they'd be a cool pet. Heck, you can actually walk them.

Article

Photo Gallery - Giant rats become unlikely soldiers

Video - Rats detecting landmines

Video - Using Sniffer Rats to Detect Tuberculosis

Video - Rats helping clear landmines in Tanzania

Graphic - Rat Soldiers

 

[Slacker]

Rodents of unusual size? I dont think they exist.

 

[bignateyk]

So giant sewer rats do exist. Next thing we know they will be employing giant turtles to fight crime.

 

[Crono]

That is really cool. I like how they work 5 to 9 jobs and get paid well, lol. Cute little guy in the pic. I wonder what other animals could perform specialized jobs that humans can't do?

Haha:
"For both TB and land mines, the rats are trained to respond to the sound of a clicker; when the rat makes the scratching motion that means it has detected an explosive or the odor of disease, the handler or trainer responds by snapping the clicker, which means a nut or fruit is on the way.

So why don't the animals just scratch every few minutes to win a treat?

"That would be human behavior," said Weetjens. "Rats are more honest.""

Ain't that the truth.