Norway Rats

Rats are similar to other rodents, like mice, and often mislabeled. They can grow to be almost a foot long, ranging from 9-11 inches on average. They have fur, which is usually a darker brown or darker gray on their backs, with their undersides being a lighter shade. Interestingly, rats' tails are usually the same length as their bodies, meaning it doubles the length of the rodent from nose to tail. A rat's tail is always hairless but can vary in color from pink to brown.

 

Rats are often mistaken for all kinds of mice, voles or muskrats because they share many similarities. Here in Richmond, the most common type of rat is the Norway Rat (also called the "street rat" or "sewer rat"), which will burrow and nest underground. Norway rats tend to be slightly smaller than the average rat, coming in closer to 7-9 inches. They are generally a darker brown with a whitish underbelly.

 

Rats are agile creatures, being able to jump, climb, swim and run.

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To learn more about rats in Richmond, check out our blog post