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Beta
Norway Rat
(Rattus norvegicus)
Photo by
Inez Andrews
Overview
Biology
The Norway rat will have around 3 - 8 litters per year, which may produce around 5 - 8 young per litter. With a gestation period of about 21 days, and maturity within 2 - 3 months. The average life span is 9 - 12 months.
Food
Rats will eat a lot of whatever they can get, but will normally eat seeds, grain, fruit, nuts, veg etc, but can and will eat smaller animals and insects if hungry and willing to hunt.
The Norway rat is one of the largest rodents in the world and is a dominant species in most of Europe and North America. The brown rat is often considered a pest, mainly because of the danger it poses, and the health risks imposed by the presence of Norway rat droppings and urine.
Description
To many, different breeds of rats can look similar, but Norway rats are renowned for their larger size. Rattus norvegicus averages around 16 inches, Weighs 350 - 500 grams and can be grey or brown with a lighter underbelly. Another common trait of the Norway rat is short dense fur that can be found all over their body aside from their nose, ears and tail.
Habitat
Rats may take harbourage within your walls under, decking in gardens, burrow under property, basements, or lofts, usually living there is access to a water supply
