Also known as Barn Rat, Brown Rat, Common Rat, Gray Rat, Sewer Rat, Water Rat, Wharf Rat.
Body Shape/Size: Heavy, thick, large
Max. Body Wt.: 18 oz.
Nose Shape: Blunt
Ears: Small, covered with hairs, cannot reach eyes
Eyes: Small
Tail Color: Dark colored above, pale beneath
Tail Length: Shorter than head and body combined
Droppings: Rounded, blunt ends. Capsule shaped. About 3/4″ in length.
Nests: Mainly in burrows. Prefers to live on the ground in holes under vegetation, edges of sidewalks, driveways and patios.
Foraging Range: Up to 300 ft.
Days to Maturity: 60 – 90 days
Number of Young per Litter: 8 – 12
Number of Litters per year: 3 – 6
Food Habits: Omnivorous (plants and meat), eats about 1 oz. per day. Shy, has new object reaction.
Water Needs: Must find water or consume foods with a high water content on a regular basis.
Climbing Ability: Can climb when necessary.
Swimming Ability: Excellent swimming ability.
Minimal Crawl Through Opening: Capable of squeezing through a space as small as 1/2″ inch in diameter.
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