The Common Rat, scientifically called Rattus norvegicus, holds multiple monikers such as the brown rat, street rat, and sewer rat. As the name suggests, it is considered one of the better-known rats due to its tendency to inhabit typically urban areas filled with humans. Physically, the common rat is distinguished by its long tail, coarse brown or grey fur, and a larger body size in comparison to others within the rodent family.
Other traits the common rat possesses include perceptive hearing, acute sense of smell, communication through chirping and ultrasonic vocalizations, and the skill of swimming.
Common Rats have a height of 2.4”-3.5” (6-9 cm), body length between 6”-10” (15-25 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.5 lb (250-700 g). The tail length of a Common Rat is 4.3”-9.4” (11-24 cm). Common Rats have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild and 2-3 years in captivity.
The Common Rat, scientifically called Rattus norvegicus, holds multiple monikers such as the brown rat, street rat, and sewer rat. As the name suggests, it is considered one of the better-known rats due to its tendency to inhabit typically urban areas filled with humans. Physically, the common rat is distinguished by its long tail, coarse brown or grey fur, and a larger body size in comparison to others within the rodent family.
Other traits the common rat possesses include perceptive hearing, acute sense of smell, communication through chirping and ultrasonic vocalizations, and the skill of swimming.
Common Rats have a height of 2.4”-3.5” (6-9 cm), body length between 6”-10” (15-25 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.5 lb (250-700 g). The tail length of a Common Rat is 4.3”-9.4” (11-24 cm). Common Rats have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild and 2-3 years in captivity.