What are Some Different Types of Rats?

Rats come in a number of colors and sizes, with 56 species alone in the genus Rattus, which contains the “true rats.” In addition, a number of animals which are not in this genus are referred to as rats, such as the naked mole rat, bandicoot rats, and pack rats, also called wood rats. The incredible diversity reflected in the number of types of rats illustrates the importance of the niche which these animals fit into. Many rat species are very unique, found only in isolated regions of the world.

Many rat species are named for the regions in which they are found, including Mentawi, Nillu, Bonthain, and Dusky Field Rats. These types of rats may not be well known to most people, since they live on small islands and in remote areas of the world. The two most famous types of rats are probably brown rats and black rats. The black rat is also known as a roof rat, ship's rat, or house rats. Black rats are very good climbers, and they are very clever animals, able to worm their way into extremely small spaces. Black rats can be found all over the world, thanks to their skill at stowing away on boats. They are especially infamous with humans because they are known carriers of the plague.

Brown rats, also called Norwegian, common, or wharf rats, are also very widely distributed around the world. Most rats kept as pets are brown rats, selectively bred to become “fancy rats” in an array of colors. Fancy rats are also bred to be fairly even-tempered, although they retain the traits of agility and curiosity associated with their wild cousins. Brown rats are also used extensively in scientific research.

Rats have been maligned throughout history because many types of rats carry diseases which are harmful to people. Rats have also been known to spoil food by urinating or defecating in it, and many people associate the presence of rats with uncleanliness and untidy habits. Health inspectors especially are known for not being fans of rats in the facilities they examine, despite the fact that rats are almost an unavoidable occurrence in urban areas.

Despite their negative associations, rats are actually very interesting, sensitive animals. Numerous types of rats display amazing levels of intelligence and problem solving skills, for example, and they often have a complex social structure. Rats also appear to be among the few animals which laugh to express joy, although the laugh of a rat is not audible to humans. Many pet rats form strong emotional bonds with their carers, and people who keep rats say that they are very loyal, friendly animals.

The most common types of rats found globally are the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Roof rat (Rattus rattus). The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat, is robust and prefers lower elevations, while the Roof rat is sleeker and often found in higher places like attics. Both species are highly adaptable and have spread extensively due to human activity.

Rats can have significant environmental impacts by preying on native wildlife and competing with them for resources. They are also vectors for diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and the bubonic plague. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rats can indirectly transmit over 35 diseases to humans through ticks, mites, or fleas that have fed on an infected rat.

Rat species have varied diets depending on their habitat. Norway rats are omnivorous scavengers that will eat almost anything available, including meats, grains, and trash. Roof rats prefer fruits, nuts, and vegetation. Their dietary preferences can influence their impact on local ecosystems and agricultural areas, sometimes leading to significant crop damage.

Yes, some rat species are endangered and play crucial roles in their ecosystems. For example, the Woodrat species in North America, often known as packrats, are important seed dispersers and contribute to soil aeration through their burrowing activities. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these native species and maintain ecological balance.

Norway rats are larger and stockier with shorter tails than their body length, small ears, and a blunt snout. Roof rats are sleeker with longer tails that exceed their body length, large ears, and a pointed snout. These physical differences are key identifiers, along with their preferred habitats—Norway rats are more terrestrial, while Roof rats are arboreal.

Controlling rat populations in urban areas involves sanitation, habitat modification, and population management. Removing food sources, sealing entry points into buildings, and maintaining clean environments are effective preventative measures. When necessary, humane trapping and removal, along with professional pest control services, can help manage existing infestations while minimizing risks to humans and non-target wildlife.