Black Rat
Black Rat Facts
| Size | 6.2-9.4 inch (16-24 cm) (body length) |
| Speed | Up to 6.2 mph (10 km/h) |
| Weight | 7-14 oz (200-400 g) |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years |
| Food | Grains, fruit, seeds, roots, mice, fish, invertebrates, eggs |
| Predators | Owls, snakes, raccoons, cats |
| Habitat | All over the world |
| Order | Rodents |
| Family | Murids |
| Scientific name | Rattus |
| Characteristics | Long tail |
Main Characteristics
Rats are small rodents. They live almost all over the world but most of the species live in Asia and Australia. There are around 65 species of rats in total. The brown rat and the black rat live wherever humans live.
From here you find facts written by animalfunfacts.net fan L.R.:
The Difference Between Black Rat and Brown Rat
Unlike the brown rat, the black rat is on the skinny side. The black rat’s ears and eyes are proportionately sized and their snouts are very pointy. The brown rat’s tail is shorter than its body, while it’s the other way round for the black rat.
Distribution
How Did Rats Spread Across the World?
The black rat, or house rat, was spread across the globe on ships. That’s why they’re also called "ship rats"”. They originally lived in warm rocky landscapes in the Himalayas.
Senses and Abilities
Black Rats Have An Exceptional Sense of Smell
Black rats recognize fellow rats by their smell. They use their beard hairs as an echo sounder. They make a sound and then use their hairs to work out the echo.
How Fast Can a Black Rat Run?
For their size, rats are real star athletes. They can run at up to 6.2 mph (10 km/h) and keep up with a trained jogger. In theory. Of course, this small animal couldn’t keep up such a high speed for a whole jog. But they would manage 6.2 feet (10 meters) in 3.6 seconds. For their size, this is remarkable.
Lifespan
How Long Do Black Rats Live?
A black rat can live for up to three years. But they sometimes even make it to six.
The Black Rat as a Spreader of Diseases
Sometimes, feral rats suffer from rat fleas, which carried the plague. It can spread to humans (and vice versa). This is how rats spread the plague, and other diseases.
Fun Facts
Black Rats Are Holy Animals in India
Black rats are considered holy in India, as they are loyal companions and steeds for the Indian god Ganesha.
The facts above wer submitted by animalfunfacts.net fan L.R. Thanks! Do you want to write a fan fact sheet?
The Black Rat Is Related To:
Animals in the Same Biome:
- Watch Now on animalfunfacts.net:
All About Animal Senses
