Can You Eat Rats In A Survival Situation?

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Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Umar

Yes, you can eat rats in a survival situation, but there are several factors to consider, including potential diseases and proper preparation methods

Rats are known vectors and reservoirs for more than 60 diseases that can infect both people and petsHowever, if you choose rats that are safe to eat and prepare them properly, there’s no reason to worry about the quality of your fare.

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Choosing Safe Rats to Eat

Wild rats are generally safer to eat than city rats because their diet consists of cleaner food sources like berries and grains

Rats found in plantation fields, for example, are considered safer to eat due to their cleaner diet

However, even country rats can have parasites, ticks, fleas, and other potential health hazards.

Preparing Rats for Consumption

To minimize the risk of disease transmission, it’s essential to properly prepare rats for consumption.

This includes skinning, gutting, and cooking the rat meat thoroughly

Cooking methods for rats include grilling, stewing, boiling, barbecuing, deep-frying, and even making jerkyHere are some popular rat recipes:

Grilled Rat

  1. Skin and eviscerate the rat.
  2. Skewer the rat so that the legs and arms are spread out from the body.
  3. Grill over open coals for 5 minutes on each side.

Stewed Cane Rat

  1. Skin and eviscerate the rat, then split it lengthwise.
  2. Fry until brown in a mixture of butter and peanut oil.
  3. Cover with water, add tomatoes or tomato purée, hot red peppers, and salt.
  4. Simmer the rat until tender and serve with rice.

Risks and Precautions

While it’s possible to eat rats in a survival situation, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks.

Rats can carry diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), tularemia, and salmonella

To minimize the risk of disease transmission, handle rats with care, avoid direct contact with their urine, feces, and saliva, and cook the meat thoroughly.

In conclusion, rats can be a viable food source in a survival situation, but it’s crucial to choose safe rats to eat and prepare them properly to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

By following the appropriate precautions and cooking methods, rats can provide a valuable source of protein and sustenance in times of need.

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