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Trained Rats for Mine Detection

Posted by michael on from the cleanup-on-aisle-five dept.

rikomatic writes "The dangerous profession of anti-personnel mine detection is getting a surprising new tool: giant Gambian rats (NY Times reg). Some resourceful Belgians have figured out how to train these 30-inch rodents to hunt out landmines. They are cheaper and work harder than dogs and are more reliable than metal detectors. Plus, if one of them blows up, who's going to cry?"

3 of 456 comments (clear)

  1. Re:One twist...make 'em hunt AND detonate. by drinkypoo · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    We don't we just string the PETA freaks out on the dope and send them into the minefield? That way, you clear the mines, and you get to see the PETA freaks explode, if not in anger.

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  2. I know! by Best+ID+Ever! · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    You shoot the hostage in the leg. No, wait...

  3. Re:Who is going to care? by Zareste · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Screw PETA, kids avoid getting blown up while playing soccer etc beacuse of stuff like this

    Note how that always comes from people who would just as easily use those kids as mine detectors.

    --
    I am NOT a number! I am a - oh wait, I'm number 761710. Look! 761710!