Look junior. I'm sure you won't understand this as you have already expressed your lack of education but if you must know, the rat never made contact with the newspaper. I used the newspaper to redirect my snake back into the tub when feeding. He would try to exit the tub and I was not about to use my hand. In case this is still fuzzy for you, the newspaper took the hit so my hand would not have to. In case you were unaware, dead rats don't to often read the newspaper while taking a bath. So as much as I can appreciate you calling me an ignorant orifice, I must decline this honor and allow you that which you have earned. Grow up!