Brown Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Conservation status: Common
When to see: January to December
About
Brown rats are typically around 7-10 inches long and can weigh anywhere from 100 to 500 grams. These rodents have brown fur which gives them their name and are distinguishable by their small beady eyes, pointed nose, and round ears. Brown rats are omnivorous, feeding on anything from seeds and fruit to meat scraps and insects. Their teeth are constantly growing throughout their lifespan so they need to gnaw on objects regularly to keep them filed down. They are nocturnal animals that prefer dark places like sewers or garbage dumps but can also be found in urban environments such as buildings or homes. Despite their negative reputation as pests, brown rats play an important role in the ecosystem by providing a food source for predators like birds of prey.
| See also different: | Garden mammals |
