Rats are rodents and belong to the Muridae family.

They are highly adaptable and found worldwide, often living near humans.

Rats have a long, scaly tail that is shorter than their body length.

Their front teeth continuously grow, and they must gnaw to keep them in check.

Rats are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

They are social animals and thrive in colonies.

The most common species is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Rats have a keen sense of smell, hearing, and touch.

They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of foods.

Rats are prolific breeders, with a short gestation period.

A group of rats is called a mischief.

Rats have been domesticated and kept as pets for centuries.

They are used in scientific research for various studies.

Rats are agile climbers and swimmers.

Rat tails are sensitive and help with balance.

Rats communicate through vocalizations, body language, and pheromones.

They are nocturnal, with increased activity during the night.

Rats have a lifespan of about 2-3 years in the wild.

They build nests using a variety of materials, including paper and fabric.

Rats can carry and transmit diseases to humans, making proper hygiene crucial.

They have played roles in literature, folklore, and symbolic meanings.

Rats can be trained to perform various tricks and tasks.

They exhibit neophobia, a fear of new things, which impacts baiting strategies.

Rats are known for their ability to squeeze through small openings.

Rats have been blamed for causing damage to crops and stored food.

Some rat species are considered invasive and harmful to ecosystems.

Rats are efficient burrowers, creating complex tunnel systems.

They have a unique tooth arrangement that differs from other rodents.

Rats can reproduce year-round under favorable conditions.

They are highly adaptable to urban environments, thriving in sewers and garbage areas.

Rats are important in ecological systems, serving as prey for various predators.

Efforts in pest control often focus on prevention, sanitation, and rodent-proofing.