http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45419101/ns/world_news-americas/t/rats-help-colombia-sniff-out-deadly-landmines/
In Colombia, a new development has occured in the pursuit of creating a landmine-free country. Written since the start of 2012 (exact date unconfirmed), the MSNBC article outlines how Colombian officials are using the finely tuned noses of rodents (rats specifically) to find burried mines for deactivation. Unlike canines, rats are easier to train and breed, and the lightweight bodies of rats are unlikely to detonate the mines themselves while at work in the field. Hopefully this program will help to curtail and eventually put an end to the deaths and injuries from Colombian landmines that in 2010 totaled well over 500.
fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI think this is really interesting. I never would have thought about using rats to locate mines. Have they tried using any other animals to locate mines?
ReplyDeleteI think this is awesome. Rats now have cool jobs. I can't wait till Disney Pixar makes Ratatouille 2 with the mice going undercover to find landmines
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