Rats are small rodents closely related to mice and squirrels. They are extremely adaptive and found all over the world where resources are available. Anywhere humans are, there are rats thriving off our trash.
They are a common household pest that introduces disease, property damage, and parasites. While sometimes domesticated as pets, rats are still generally known as vermin.
Classification & Appearance
Rats are classified under the mammalian order Rodentia and in the genus Rattus. They are larger than mice with long hairless tails, squarer heads (vs. pointed mouse snout), smaller laid-back ears, and large front teeth that never stop growing. Coats can be black, brown, gray, red, white, or spotted.
