ExploreMammals

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Brown rats are clever little animals that live all around the world. They have long tails and love to explore their homes, often in cities and farms.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Brown Rat is a medium-sized rodent with shaggy, coarse fur that is typically brown or greyish-brown on its back and lighter grey or white on its belly. It has a thick, scaly, hairless tail usually shorter than its body, small ears, and a blunt snout, distinguishing it from the longer-tailed Black Rat.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyMuridaeGenusRattus
Brown Rat
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Brown Rat

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

47

Interesting facts

A female brown rat can have up to seven litters of babies in a single year!

Brown rats are excellent communicators, using squeaks, hisses, and even body language!

Their whiskers are super sensitive, helping them 'feel' their way around in the dark.

They learn quickly by watching other rats, like how to open tricky food containers.

Special abilities

Ability

Master Diggers

Brown Rats can dig complex burrow systems because they have strong claws and teeth that help them create shelter and escape routes.

Ability

Taste Detectives

Brown Rats have an excellent sense of smell and taste that helps them detect poisons and find nutritious food sources.

Ability

Chewing Champions

Brown Rats can gnaw through tough materials because their incisor teeth constantly grow and are incredibly strong.

Measurements & details

Length
15-28 cm
Weight
0.15-0.5 kg
Lifespan
1-3 years
Top Speed
12 km/h
Litter Size
6-12
Gestation
21-23 days

Diet & Feeding

Brown rats are omnivores, meaning they eat almost anything, from plants to meat!

Primary Foods

  • Grains
  • Seeds
  • Fruits
  • Insects
  • Meat scraps
  • Pet food

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Common RatStreet Rat

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not touch wild rats; they can carry germs. Always watch from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Brown Rat?

The easiest way to identify Brown Rat is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Brown Rat?

15-28 cm

How much does Brown Rat weigh?

0.15-0.5 kg

How long does Brown Rat live?

1-3 years

How fast can Brown Rat move?

12 km/h

What does Brown Rat eat?

Brown rats are omnivores, meaning they eat almost anything, from plants to meat!

Where is Brown Rat usually found?

Urban areas

How does Brown Rat hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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