Rattus norvegicus

Common Names: Norway rat; Common rat; Brown rat; Wharf rat; Sewer rat
Adult Weight: 300 grms
Length (head + body): 200-250 mm
Length (tail): 150-200mm, shorter than head and body.
Fur, colour: Harsh and shaggy. Brown and black on upper head and body, grey or off-white underneath.
Ears, hearing: Thick, opaque, short with fine hairs. Excellent sense of hearing.
Eyes, sight: Small. Poor sight, colourblind.
Snout, smell and taste: Blunt, Excellent sense of smell and taste.
Droppings: In groups, but sometimes scattered. Ellipsoidal capsule shaped, about 20mm long.
Habits, habitat: Does burrow. Lives outdoors, indoors and in sewers. Nests in burrows. Can climb though not agile. Very good swimmer. Conservative, somewhat predictable in habit. Will avoid unfamiliar objects, e.g. bait trays, placed on runs, for some days. Range 50 metres.
Feeding habits: Omnivorous, more likely to eat meat than Rattus rattus. Consumes up to 30 grams per day, drinks water or eats food with high water content.
Life cycle: Span: 9-18 months.
Sexual maturity: 2-3 months.
Litter size: 8-10 offspring.
Maximum reproduction rate: 7 litters per year.
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