Brown rat

Brown Rat

The Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), also known as the common rat, street rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat is a widespread species of common rat.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈraʊn ˈræt/

Etymology

The term "Brown Rat" is derived from the rat's common brownish-grey color. The scientific name Rattus norvegicus is Latin for "rat from Norway", although the species is not native to Norway.

Description

The Brown Rat is one of the largest muroid rodents. They are usually brown or grey in color, with a body length of up to 25 cm (10 in), not including a similar length tail.

Behavior

Brown Rats are nocturnal and omnivorous, with a preference for grains. They are known to be good swimmers, both on the surface and underwater, but unlike the related Black Rat (Rattus rattus), they are poor climbers.

Habitat

Brown Rats live in a wide variety of human habitats, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. They are commonly found in the lower levels of buildings and other structures, as well as in outdoor burrows.

Health Risks

Brown Rats can pose a significant health risk to humans and pets. They are known carriers of numerous diseases, including Leptospirosis, Hantavirus, and Plague.

Related Terms

• Rat
• Black Rat
• Rodent
• Leptospirosis
• Hantavirus
• Plague

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Brown rat
• Wikipedia's article - Brown rat

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