Animal Profiles
Mammals

Rat

Rattus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Rats include several rodent species. This account describes the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), an adaptable omnivore that has spread widely alongside people.

Rattus norvegicus (rat)

Representative species: Rattus norvegicus.

Dunpharlain · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Brown rats originated in Asia and now occur across much of the world. Buildings, ports, fields and waterways provide food and shelter.
Habitat
Towns and cities, Grassland
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Discarded food, seeds and other plant material, and small animals are eaten.

Classification

Common name
Rat
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Rattus
Source classification
Mammalia

Three things to know

  • It is an accomplished swimmer.
  • Its tail is shorter than its head and body combined.
  • It learns routes through burrow systems.

Habitat and range

Brown rats originated in Asia and now occur across much of the world. Buildings, ports, fields and waterways provide food and shelter.

Appearance and adaptations

A robust body, blunt muzzle and sparsely haired tail distinguish the brown rat. Wild coats are usually brownish, while domestic forms vary.

Diet and behaviour

Discarded food, seeds and other plant material, and small animals are eaten. It often forages at dusk or during the night. Burrows and hidden nesting areas connect with learned routes to food supplies.

Sources

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