Bringers of plague, schleppers of pizza slices, garbage gobblers. Rats have adapted over the millennia to survive and thrive in human company, much to our amazement and (often) disgust. But love them or hate them, our past and our future is bound up with these little hustlers. For more information on this episode visit nationalgeographic.com/overheard

Want More?
Read Emma Marris's magazine story on how rats have become a global, inescapable part of city life.
Yes, rats really can wriggle up toilets. Learn more about their "ninja" skills.
Rats can remember who's nice to them, and return the favor, reports a study on their surprisingly complex social behavior.

Also explore:
Are rats really to blame for the Medieval "black death" plagues? These scientists have a different theory.
Rats remain a popular food in Vietnam. Learn why.

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