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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
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badgescavenger trait badge
Brown Rat

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

51

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
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?

Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

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

Where to spot

Canal Park place preview
Park100 sightings50 species

District of Columbia, US

Canal Park

Urban Park, Sustainable Design, Family Friendly, Ice Skating, Splash Pad, Community Events, Wheelchair Accessible, Wildlife Viewing, Outdoor Cinema, Relaxation

You might spot Eastern Gray Squirrel, Duck, and House Sparrow.

View guide →

Cleveland Park place preview
Neighborhood48 sightings50 species

District of Columbia, US

Cleveland Park

Architectural Tours and Cherry Blossoms (seasonal)

You might spot Spotted Lanternfly and Eastern Gray Squirrel.

View guide →

East Potomac Park place preview
Park49 sightings50 species

District of Columbia, US

East Potomac Park

"park", "waterfront", "cherry Blossoms", "golf", "tennis", "cycling", "running", "picnic", "birdwatching", "family Friendly", "wheelchair Accessible", "historic"

You might spot Duck, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and House Sparrow.

View guide →

Lafayette Square Historic District place preview
Historic District49 sightings50 species

District of Columbia, US

Lafayette Square Historic District

Downtown Dc and Historic Park

You might spot Eastern Gray Squirrel, Spotted Lanternfly, and Duck.

View guide →

Pioneer Square place preview
Neighborhood46 sightings50 species

Washington, US

Pioneer Square

Architecture and Art Galleries

You might spot Rock Pigeon, American Crow, and Olympic Gull.

View guide →

West Potomac Park place preview
Park49 sightings50 species

District of Columbia, US

West Potomac Park

Birdwatching, Wildlife Photography, Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Historic Landmarks, Cherry Blossoms, Walking Trails, Urban Oasis

You might spot Eastern Gray Squirrel, Spotted Lanternfly, and Duck.

View guide →

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