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
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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

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†’

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†’

Aqueduct Walk place preview
Park92 sightings10 species

New York, US

Aqueduct Walk

Linear Park, Historic Site, Walking, Jogging, Family Friendly, Urban Oasis, Bronx, Scenic Landmark, Wildlife Observation, Recreational.

You might spot Tree-Of-Heaven, Spotted Lanternfly, and Rock Pigeon.

View guide β†’

Lake Union Park place preview
Park75 sightings9 species

Washington, US

Lake Union Park

Waterfront, Urban Park, Maritime History, Family Friendly, Museums, Accessible, Boating, Birdwatching, Seattle Skyline Views, Events, Wildlife.

You might spot Canada Goose, Duck, and American Coot.

View guide β†’

Clarence H. Clark Park place preview
Park125 sightings8 species

Pennsylvania, US

Clarence H. Clark Park

Park, Community Park, Urban Oasis, Farmers Market, Dog Friendly, Events, Family Friendly, Historic Site, Wildlife Viewing, Birdwatching.

You might spot American Robin, Kentucky Yellowwood, and Kousa Dogwood.

View guide β†’

Governors Island place preview
Park88 sightings8 species

New York, US

Governors Island

Urban Oasis, Car Free, Historic Site, Biking, Family Friendly, Nature Trails, Birdwatching, Scenic Views, Wheelchair Accessible, Public Art

You might spot Common Mugwort and White Snakeroot.

View guide β†’

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