They're generally considered unwelcome visitors in your home but soon, rats could be coming to your rescue.
The project by Belgian non-profit APOPO, is kitting out rodents with tiny, high-tech backpacks to help first responders search for survivors among rubble in disaster zones.
APOPO behavioural scientist Isabelle Szott spoke to Morning Report producer Samuel Wat.
If you're interested, you can sponsor one of those backpack-wearing rats through APOPO's website.
