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Chicago's 'Splatatouille' Squirrel Print Sparks Music Festival

10/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers concluded with 89.6% certainty that the imprint on a Chicago concrete slab came from an eastern grey squirrel.
The imprint gained fame as "Splatatouille" and sparked debates about its origin.
The original slab was replaced in April 2024, but the imprint was preserved and relocated to Chicago’s City Hall.
The phenomenon inspired a music festival and public engagement events.

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Story summary

Researchers concluded with 89.6% certainty that the imprint on a Chicago concrete slab came from an eastern grey squirrel.
The imprint gained fame as "Splatatouille" and sparked debates about its origin.
The original slab was replaced in April 2024, but the imprint was preserved and relocated to Chicago’s City Hall.
The phenomenon inspired a music festival and public engagement events.