Sir David Attenborough Reveals His Fear of Rats

Sir David Attenborough, the celebrated nature documentarian, has revealed an unexpected fear that contrasts sharply with his lifelong passion for the natural world: rats. The 98-year-old broadcaster, known for his enthusiasm for wildlife, admitted during a 2011 episode of David Attenborough’s Life Stories that he harbors an intense dislike for the rodents.

“I really, really hate rats,” Attenborough said. “I’ve handled deadly spiders, snakes, and scorpions without batting an eyelid, but if I see a rat, I’ll be the first to run.” He described his fear as irrational, recounting a traumatic experience during a thunderstorm in the Solomon Islands, where he encountered rats swarming his thatched hut. “I flicked on my torch, and there was a rat running across from me. I looked around. There were rats everywhere. Needless to say, I abandoned the hut,” he recalled.

Attenborough’s aversion to rats was further cemented during a trip to India, where a bathroom encounter left him horrified. “I was in India, and I got [a stomach upset]. I ran for the loo, and as I was sitting there, a rat emerged from the depths of the loo and jumped out from between my legs. I reckon that was not an endearing act,” he shared during an episode of David Attenborough: A Life on Air.

Despite his fear, Attenborough’s career has been defined by his dedication to exploring and documenting the natural world. From his early days on Zoo Quest in 1954 to his recent work on groundbreaking series like Planet Earth and Blue Planet, he has inspired millions with his passion for conservation and wildlife.

Attenborough’s candid admission about his fear of rats has humanized the beloved broadcaster, reminding fans that even the most intrepid explorers have their vulnerabilities. His legacy, however, remains firmly rooted in his unparalleled contributions to natural history filmmaking and environmental advocacy.