Types of Rats Species, Can you Identify them ?
Rats, different than a mouse are small, agile mammals with long tails, pointed snouts, and sharp teeth. There are many different species of rats, but the most common ones in North America are the black rat and brown rat, we will be be discussing those and more in this article. If you more on the angry side, and looking for information on how to defeat your foe, the rat, you might look for some of the following articles.
rat vs mouse ( how to tell the difference)
Identifying where rats come from
Rats are believed to have originated in Asia and spread to Europe and other parts of the world through trade and exploration. They have been found on every continent except Antarctica. It is likely that rats were introduced to North America by European settlers who brought them over as stowaways on ships. Since then, rats have become established in many parts of the continent and are now found in urban, suburban, and rural areas. In this article we will be identifying the different species & types of rats (click to be taken to the section of article). They obviously didnt evolve from squirrels.
Rats are medium-sized rodents that have long tails. These mammals look similar to other rodents, like mice and possums. but differ significantly in size and activity. Rats live all over the United States several types of rats, specifically the four most common rat species, get in most attics and homes, which has led to a fair bit of musophobia. These rats are similar in size and appearance and enter buildings looking for food, to escape cold weather, or to escape predation. Inside, they contribute to structural damage and the spread of disease. Roof rats get their name from their tendency to enter structures in elevated spaces, including attics and ceilings. In contrast, Norway rats are most commonly noticed around foundations, woodpiles, and in discarded areas. If your interstead in taking acre of this yourself, you can find some great information by clicking on the best bait for mouse traps or rats.
The Brown Rat / Norway Rat / Rattus norvegicus
The Norway rat is one of four main common rats living in the U.S. Also known as the common rat, street rat, sewer rat, wharf rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Norwegian rat and Parisian rat, its coat ranges from brown to dark gray. Norway rats grow roughly 8 to 10 inches, while their tails range from 7 to 10 inches long. Male Norway rats can reach 12 ounces in weight, while female Norway rats typically achieve a maximum weight of approximately 9 ounces. Norway rats are nocturnal mammals but may be active during the day if the population is high. These rats have poor eyesight and are color blind, which makes them rely on their other senses to move around and find food. They produce a litter of 6-12 baby rats at a time, averaging between four and six litters yearly.
The brown rat, also known as the common rat or the Norwegian rat, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is native to Asia, but it has been introduced to many parts of the world and is now found in a wide range of habitats. Brown rats are highly adaptable and are able to live in a variety of environments, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.
In the wild, brown rats are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are often found near water sources such as rivers, streams, and lakes. Brown rats are highly adaptable and are able to live in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are also found in a variety of man-made environments, including barns, sheds, and buildings.
Brown rats are highly social animals and are known to live in large groups called colonies. They construct elaborate burrow systems, which can have multiple entrances and chambers for nesting and storing food. Brown rats are active at night and typically spend the day in their burrows, which provide protection from predators and the elements.
Brown rats are found throughout much of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are considered to be one of the most successful and widespread urban mammals, and they are often found in close proximity to humans. However, they can also be found in more rural and wilderness areas, where they can be a nuisance to farmers and gardeners.
Brown rats are omnivorous, which means that they feed on a wide variety of plant and animal matter.
In the wild, brown rats typically feed on seeds, fruits, roots, and other plant material, as well as insects, worms, and other invertebrates. They are also known to feed on small vertebrates such as birds and lizards. Brown rats are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything that is available to them.
In urban and suburban environments, brown rats often have access to a wide range of human food sources, and they are known to feed on garbage, pet food, and other scraps. They are also known to raid bird feeders and gardens in search of food. Brown rats are active at night and typically forage for food in the hours after sunset. They have a home range of several acres and use their keen senses of smell and hearing to locate food sources.
Species: Rattus norvegicus
Origin: Europe
Breeding Cycle: Approx. 32 days
Diet: OMNIVORE
Head-Body Length (mm): 184 – 192
Average adult Weight (g): 150 – 300
The Black Rat / Roof Rat / Rattus rattus
The roof rat is also known as the house, black, or the ship rat and has a black to light brown coat. Adult roof rats grow 13 to 15 inches and have a 6 to 9 inches long tail. In addition, adult roof rats weigh between 0.3 and 0.6 pounds. Roof rats eat a wide range of foods and are omnivorous mammals. These rats also present an issue for farmers and homeowners, as they often eat the food meant for cows, swine, chickens, cats, and dogs. This consumption is a problem, as the rats can contaminate these food sources and infect livestock and people. People used to refer to them as tree rats, due to their daringness to climb trees. The black rat was also attached to the pied piper myth.
The black rat, also known as the roof rat or the ship rat, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is native to tropical regions of Asia, but it has been introduced to many parts of the world and is now found in a wide range of habitats. Black rats are agile climbers and are often found in high places, such as trees, cliffs, and buildings.
In the wild, black rats are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are often found near water sources such as rivers, streams, and lakes. Black rats are also found in a variety of man-made environments, including barns, sheds, and buildings. They are often found in areas with a high density of vegetation, as they rely on plants for food and shelter.
Black rats are highly social animals and are known to live in large groups called colonies. They construct elaborate burrow systems, which can have multiple entrances and chambers for nesting and storing food. Black rats are active at night and typically spend the day in their burrows, which provide protection from predators and the elements.
Black rats are found throughout much of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are considered to be one of the most successful and widespread urban mammals, and they are often found in close proximity to humans. However, they can also be found in more rural and wilderness areas, where they can be a nuisance to farmers and gardeners.
Black rats are omnivorous, which means that they feed on a wide variety of plant and animal matter.
In the wild, black rats typically feed on seeds, fruits, roots, and other plant material, as well as insects, worms, and other invertebrates. They are also known to feed on small vertebrates such as birds and lizards. Black rats are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything that is available to them.
In urban and suburban environments, black rats often have access to a wide range of human food sources, and they are known to feed on garbage, pet food, and other scraps. They are also known to raid bird feeders and gardens in search of food. Black rats are active at night and typically forage for food in the hours after sunset. They have a home range of several acres and use their keen senses of smell and hearing to locate food sources.
Species: Rattus rattus
Origin: Europe
Breeding Cycle: Approx. 32 days
Diet: OMNIVORE
Head-Body Length (mm): max. 225
Adult Weight (g): 120 - 160
The Woodrat/ Packrat/ Neotoma cinerea
The woodrat, also known as the packrat, is cinnamon, brown, or gray. Adult woodrats grow between 10 and 18.5 inches and weigh in at 9.5 to 14 ounces, with males often being more prominent and heavier than their female counterparts. Mostly not found in Texas, unverified reports have placed them in the DFW metroplex, Woodrats look different from other rats as they have large, round ears, big, dark eyes, and bushy tails, which mimic that of a squirrel. Pack rats are native to North America and often build their nests in deserts under cacti, caves, and trees. But these rats also favor building their nests in homes. Woodrats are known to be nest builders and notoriously collect shiny objects and artificial materials to beautify their nests. If you find a woodrat nest, it will typically be notable for having different compartments, ideal for living, food, and waste. Woodrats also use the excrement of other animals to build their nests, promoting the spread of disease.
Woodrats, also known as pack rats or trade rats, are a group of rodent species in the genus Neotoma. There are over 20 species of woodrats, and they are found in a variety of habitats throughout North and Central America.
Woodrats are adapted to living in a range of habitats, including deserts, chaparral, coniferous forests, and deciduous forests. They are found in a variety of elevations, from sea level to high mountain ranges. Woodrats typically inhabit rocky or brushy areas, and they are often found near cliffs, talus slopes, and canyon walls. They are also found in a variety of man-made structures, including barns, sheds, and buildings.
Woodrats are known for building large, complex nests out of sticks, twigs, and other plant material. These nests can be found in a variety of locations, including cliffs, rock crevices, and trees. Woodrats are also known for collecting and hoarding a variety of items, such as bones, feathers, and shiny objects, in their nests.
Woodrats are found throughout much of the United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. Some of the most well-known woodrat species include the desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida), the white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula), and the bush rat (Neotoma fuscipes).
Woodrats are omnivorous, which means that they feed on a wide variety of plant and animal matter.
The diet of woodrats varies depending on the species and the habitat in which they live. In general, woodrats feed on a variety of plant material, including seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. They are known to feed on a wide range of plant species, including cacti, agaves, yuccas, and many other desert plants. Woodrats are also known to feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, as well as small vertebrates such as lizards and birds.
Woodrats are active at night, and they typically forage for food in the hours after sunset. They have a home range of several acres, and they use their keen senses of smell and hearing to locate food sources. Woodrats are known to store seeds and other food items in their nests or burrows, which they can access during times when food is scarce. Woodrats are important seed dispersers in their native habitats, as they help to disperse the seeds of many plant species throughout their range.
Species: Neotoma cinerea
Origin: North America
Breeding Cycle: 27-32 days
Diet: OMNIVORE
Average Length (mm): 280-460
Average weight (g): up to 590
The Marsh Rice Rat / Oryzomys palustris Rats Species
Marsh rice rats are brown to gray, with off-white underbellies. Their tails are usually dark brown, but the underside may be paler than the topside. Marsh rice rats are excellent swimmers because they trap air in their fur when they swim, giving them extra buoyancy. Marsh rice rats grow between 9 and 12 inches and have approximately 4-6 inches long tails. Adult marsh rice rats can reach weights of between 1.4 to 2.8 ounces, with males usually larger than females. Marsh rice rats have large populations in Florida, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Marsh rice rats in Florida are often redder, while western marsh rice rats are lighter in color. You will frequently find these rats living near water sources as they have adapted to these environments. Their front feet feature four digits, with no tufts of hair. In contrast, their hind feet are broad and feature five digits connected with interdigital webs and little to no hair tufts to assist in faster swimming.
The scientific name for the marsh rice rat is Oryzomys palustris. It is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae, and it is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in coastal areas and marshes. The marsh rice rat is a semi-aquatic species, and it feeds on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates. It is an important prey species for many predatory animals, and it is also an important seed disperser in its native habitat. The marsh rice rat is listed as a species of "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because it has a wide distribution and is not currently facing significant threats. However, habitat destruction and alteration can have negative impacts on marsh rice rat populations, so it is important to preserve and protect the habitats where these animals live.
The marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in coastal areas and marshes. It is a semi-aquatic species, and it is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and river floodplains. The marsh rice rat is adapted to living in these wetland environments, and it is often found near water sources such as streams, rivers, and lakes. The marsh rice rat is most commonly found in freshwater marshes, but it can also be found in saltwater marshes and tidal flats. It is a generalist species and can inhabit a wide range of wetland habitats, including both natural and man-made wetlands.
Marsh rice rats are found in many different states in the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. They are also found in parts of Central and South America
The marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) is a generalist herbivore, which means that it feeds on a wide variety of plant material. It is most commonly known to feed on seeds, particularly the seeds of marsh grasses, but it also feeds on other plant parts such as roots, stems, and leaves. The marsh rice rat is an important seed disperser in its native habitat, as it helps to disperse the seeds of marsh grasses and other wetland plants. In addition to plant material, the marsh rice rat also feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. This helps to supplement its diet and provide it with additional protein. Marsh rice rats are active at night, and they typically forage for food in the hours after sunset. They are thought to have a home range of several acres, and they use their keen senses of smell and hearing to locate food sources. Marsh rice rats are known to store seeds and other food items in their burrows or nest sites, which they can then access during times when food is scarce
Species: Oryzomys palustris
Origin: North America
Breeding Cycle: 25 days
Diet: OMNIVORE
Head-Body Length (mm): 237-245
Average adult Weight (g): 40-60
Diseases found in different rat species & types of rodents
Rats, including the black rat and the brown rat, can carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Some of the most common diseases that rats can carry include:
Types of rat species diseasesSalmonella: Rats can carry bacteria that cause salmonella infections, which can cause symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans through the urine of infected rats. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain.
Plague: Rats can carry the bacteria that cause plague, which is a serious and potentially deadly disease. Plague is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas, which can be carried by rats.
Hantavirus: This is a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rats. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing.
Rat-bite fever: This is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch from an infected rat. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, and a rash.
It is important to take precautions to prevent exposure to rats and their waste products, as these diseases can be serious and even life-threatening. This includes avoiding contact with rats, sealing off any openings that might allow rats to enter your home or workplace, and practicing good hygiene..