Do rats squeak when they play? - briefly
Rats emit high‑frequency chirps (« chirps ») during play, particularly in rough‑and‑tumble interactions. These sounds differ from distress vocalizations and help coordinate social behavior.
Do rats squeak when they play? - in detail
Rats produce a range of vocalizations while engaging in playful interactions, including both ultrasonic calls and audible squeaks. These sounds serve to convey emotional states and coordinate movements among individuals.
Typical play‑related vocalizations include:
- Short, high‑pitch squeaks audible to humans, lasting 20–200 ms.
- Ultrasonic chirps between 20 kHz and 80 kHz, undetectable without specialized equipment.
- Rapid series of “chirr” sounds that blend audible and ultrasonic components.
Specific behaviors that trigger audible squeaks are:
- Rough‑and‑tumble wrestling, where contact is frequent.
- Chase sequences that involve sudden accelerations.
- Playful pinning, during which one rat holds another in a supine position.
Experimental recordings demonstrate that squeaks occur more often during high‑energy bouts and decrease when play becomes subdued. Frequency analysis shows peak amplitudes around 5–10 kHz, aligning with the rat’s hearing range for conspecific sounds. Ultrasonic calls dominate during the early phases of interaction, while audible squeaks increase as tactile stimulation intensifies.
Interpretation of these vocalizations suggests a dual function: ultrasonic calls maintain group cohesion without alerting predators, whereas audible squeaks provide immediate feedback about excitement levels and help delineate the boundaries of acceptable play. The presence of squeaks does not indicate aggression; instead, they correlate with positive affective states measured by increased locomotor activity and reduced stress hormone levels.
«Rats emit high‑frequency vocalizations during social play», a finding reported in several ethological studies, confirms that audible squeaks are a consistent component of playful behavior, though their prevalence varies with the intensity of the interaction.
In conclusion, rats do emit audible squeaks during play, complemented by ultrasonic calls, and these sounds function as communicative signals that facilitate coordinated, low‑risk social interaction.