It’s hard to believe, but rats can also be lifesavers. Admittedly, they once brought the plague to humans, which resulted in a persistently bad image. Their presence in great numbers is also rarely welcomed. But humans tend to underestimate the animals, as rats are smart and teachable. Moreover, they are light in weight. All qualities that make them ideal mine detectors. Their low weight will not trigger a detonation mechanism, and they learn much faster than dogs. While a dog takes a year to find mines, the rat only needs four months.