A quirky Chicago sidewalk landmark known as the "rat hole" has been removed by city officials after years of being a point of interest in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. The rat hole, which was an indentation in the concrete resembling a rodent, gained fame this year after a comedian shared a photo of it on social media. However, the attention brought by tourists and visitors led to complaints from neighbors about noise, litter, and disturbances in the area.

The Chicago Department of Transportation determined that the sidewalk section with the rat hole imprint needed to be replaced due to damage. Crews removed the slab of concrete and paved over it, but they preserved the section with the famous rat hole intact. The square of sidewalk is now in temporary storage while its future location is being decided through collaboration between city departments and the mayor's office.

Neighbors had mixed feelings about the removal of the rat hole, with some arguing that the imprint was actually caused by a squirrel. Complaints had been made to Alderman Scott Waguespack's office about the uneven sidewalk and the disturbances caused by visitors gathering to see the rat hole. Despite the removal of the landmark, memories of the rat hole will live on in the community as discussions continue about where the preserved section of sidewalk will eventually be placed.