Brown rat (also known as Norway rat or common rat)
Scientific Name: Rattus norvegicus
Order & Family: Order Rodentia, Family Muridae
Size: Body length 20–28 cm (8–11 in) with a tail length of 14–24 cm (5.5–9.5 in)
Natural Habitat
Urban and suburban environments, sewers, basements, warehouses, and farm fields
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavenger; eats grains, seeds, fruit, meat, and human trash
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, social creatures that live in hierarchical colonies; highly intelligent and excellent swimmers
Risks & Benefits
Risk of spreading diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus; can cause structural damage through gnawing. In ecosystems, they serve as prey for various predators.
Identified on: 5/18/2026