WICKER PARK — It wasn't curiosity that killed this rat — it apparently was an open electrical box and some serious voltage.
The owner of a Wicker Park cafe on Wednesday found an exposed electrical circuit box in the alley behind Milwaukee Avenue — and what was left of a very unlucky rat inside.
Jeff Linnae, owner of Filter Cafe, 1373 N. Milwaukee Ave., figures a scrap metal collector probably made off with the cover on the electrical box, exposing the high voltage wires inside to the outside world. The panels are usually padlocked to protect people.
"I'm concerned about the panel more than the rat. It's a hot line. The fact the panel is open and if someone touches it they can kill themselves is scary," Linnae said.
ComEd workers came out later Wednesday to fix it.
"This must be the City of Chicago's new rat abatement program. Take off the electrical panel and electrocute the rats," said Linnae.
"I'm surprised [the rat] climbed in there. I know they do that for warmth. He was an illiterate Chicago rat and did not read the sign," said Linnae, referring to a sticker warning of electrical shock or burn.
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