Rattus norvegicus

photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

ID

  • Coarse fur
  • Prominent, naked ears
  • Nearly naked, scaly tail
  • Brown upper parts with scattered black hairs
  • Pale gray or grayish brown underparts

Distribution

Most of North America. Non-native.

Reproduction

  • Can breed year-round if shelter and food are adequate
  • Gestation lasts 21 to 23 days but may last longer if the female is still nursing a previous litter
  • Highly variable litter numbers, but usually 6 to 8 young produced (Whitaker)
  • Females can mate again within hours of giving birth (Audubon)

Behavior

  • Largely nocturnal
  • Very cautious, actual numbers usually unknown because of skill in hiding (Whitaker)
  • Can climb, swim, and burrow
  • Builds complex burrows underground with multiple tunnels, exits, and chambers (Audubon)

Food Habits

  • Can eat up to a third of its body weight in a day
  • Will eat almost anything, including soap, candy, milk, meat, eggs

Size/Life Cycle

  • Average Measurements: 320-480 mm (total length), 300-540 g (total weight) (Whitaker)

Predators

  • Cats, dogs, snakes, hawks, owls, weasels, humans (poison, traps) (Whitaker)

Habitat

  • Wherever food and shelter is available. (Whitaker)
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