Black Rat
Appearance
Often weighing over half a kilo and
measuring about 23cm, without counting the tail. It has a pointed muzzle,
large, almost hairless ears, a more slender body, and a long thin tail that is
longer than its body.
Characteristics
Black Rats have well developed
senses of smell taste and touch. They have an acute sense of hearing,
frequently using ultrasound to communicate, and are particularly sensitive to
any sudden noise. They breed rapidly and become sexually mature in about three
months. Each female may produce from 3 to 12 litters of between six and eight young
in a year. Rats need to gnaw to keep their constantly growing incisor teeth
worn down. They damage woodwork, plastic, bricks and lead pipes, and will strip
insulation from electrical cables.
Diet
Black Rats feed mostly at night and
an average rat will eat 50g of food a day. Preferred foods are cereal products,
although rats are omnivorous and will eat almost anything that humans eat.
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