[meteorite-list] Meteorite Hunting Rats

[JoshuaTreeMuseum]

Elton:
That's too funny!! The Pied Piper with a herd of meteorats!
-----------------------------
Phil Whitmer



Actually it is an excellent idea. There is a Belgian Scientist in Africa 
that
has raised a variety of larger, affectionate, friendly rats that are trained 
for
finding land mines below the surface or the soil. It is a very large rat
species trained to lead on a leash. The rats lighter weight means it is far
less likely to explode the mine. I believe there is a video at TED.com

The fact that it has the ability to smell the land mines below ground seems 
an
advantage if adapted to meteorite hunting.

Imagine if you will someone dressed as the Pied Pipper and arriving at a 
fresh
fall with dozens of Meteorite hunting rats...
You could cover acres in a short while.
Elton