ExploreMammals

Norway Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Norway rats are clever little creatures that like to live near people. They have long tails and big ears, making them great at exploring their surroundings.

Appearance

The Norway Rat has a stocky body with rough, grey-brown fur on its back and lighter, often greyish-white fur underneath. It has a blunt snout, small eyes, and small ears that are partially hidden by its fur. Its scaly tail is typically shorter than its head and body combined.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyMuridaeGenusRattus
Norway Rat
furry trait badgewhiskered trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badge
Norway Rat

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 Β· Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A single female Norway rat can have up to 60 babies in one year!

Norway rats communicate using sounds too high for human ears to detect!

Rats use their long, scaly tails to help them balance while climbing or running!

They can survive falls from buildings over 50 feet tall without getting hurt!

Special abilities

Ability

Aquatic Adventurer

Norway Rat can hold its breath for minutes and close its nostrils, allowing it to swim through sewers and pipes.

Ability

Master Gnawer

Norway Rat has strong, ever-growing teeth, letting it chew through wood or plastic to reach food and shelter.

Ability

Stealthy Navigator

Norway Rat has excellent senses of smell and touch with its whiskers, helping it navigate dark, complex environments.

Ability

Super Survivor

Norway Rat has incredible adaptability, allowing it to thrive in almost any environment from cities to farms.

Measurements & details

Length
20-30 cm
Weight
0.2-0.5 kg
Lifespan
2-3 years
Top Speed
13 km/h
Litter Size
6-12
Gestation
21-23 days

Diet & Feeding

Omnivores, Norway Rats eat almost anything they can find, from seeds to meat scraps and trash!

Primary Foods

  • Grains
  • Seeds
  • Insects
  • Meat scraps
  • Fruits
  • Human waste

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 Β· Low

While Norway rats are usually not dangerous, it's best to admire them from a distance and not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Norway Rat?

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

How long is Norway Rat?

20-30 cm

How much does Norway Rat weigh?

0.2-0.5 kg

How long does Norway Rat live?

2-3 years

How fast can Norway Rat move?

13 km/h

What does Norway Rat eat?

Omnivores, Norway Rats eat almost anything they can find, from seeds to meat scraps and trash!

How does Norway Rat hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Norway Rat usually have?

6-12

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

Canal Park place preview
Park156 sightings14 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 Duck, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and European Starling.

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East Potomac Park place preview
Park106 sightings14 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, Ring-Billed Gull, and Canada Goose.

View guide β†’

City Hall Park place preview
Park16 sightings12 species

Washington, US

City Hall Park

Urban Park, Historic Site, Dog Friendly, Public Art, Relaxation, Green Space, Pioneer Square, Accessible

You might spot Rock Pigeon, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and House Sparrow.

View guide β†’

Diergaarde Blijdorp place preview
Zoo15 sightings12 species

South Holland, NL

Diergaarde Blijdorp

Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Conservation, Zoogeographic Exhibits, Aquarium, Historic Site, Wildlife Photography, Educational.

You might spot Grey Heron, Eurasian Jackdaw, and Common Moorhen.

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Pioneer Square place preview
Park30 sightings12 species

Washington, US

Pioneer Square

Architecture and Art Galleries

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

View guide β†’

Gas Works Park place preview
Park116 sightings11 species

Washington, US

Gas Works Park

Waterfront, Historic Site, Panoramic Views, Kite Flying, Family Friendly, Photography, Urban Park, Walking Trails

You might spot Canada Goose, Daisy, and Duck.

View guide β†’

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