Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Animal Class: Mammal

Length: 6-11 inches plus a 4-9.5 inch tail

Weight: 5-18 ounces, although domesticated rats can be even larger.

Lifespan: 2-4 years

Diet: Omnivore.

Habitat: Brown rats may have originated in central Asia, but they now live on every continent except Antarctica.

Description:

Brown rats are the most common species of rat in the United States. Although wild brown rats are brown, domesticated varieties have been bred for different colors and coats.

Rats have acute hearing and sense of smell. They can swim and squeeze through small spaces, making them highly adaptable to urban environments.

Brown rats are social and communicate 

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Our Animals: Erlenmeyer and Beaker