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.