The Norway Rat is one of the largest "muroids"
It has spread to all continents except Antarctica and is though to have originated in China...
rats chew through wood, masonry, some metals
The Norway Rat is by far, the most successful mammal on the planet... after Humans.
Here, Norway Rats are finding food and water in and around this particular chicken coop.
Squeaking and huffing with its most threatening display, this (not fully matured) male Norway Rat isn't happy.
He actually lunged at my fingers several times, note how he balances on his hind legs, ready to grab-and-bite.
It's understandable that he's ready to defend himself, he is after all , in a live catch trap.
Many farmers have cornered rats in barns by mistake, only to have them run up inside their pant leg!
I don't know why Rats tend to accept this trap the most, but it has worked best for me and trust me, I own almost every live catch system available.
I have used peanut butter, almonds, tootsie rolls and other baits, these fruit chews are definitely doing the job.
Remarkable speed and accuracy... that fruit chew is history and note how he immediately goes to chewing it even though obviously stressed at being in this cage.
Trying to reduce his stress during videoing, I tried to remain quiet and keep my motions slow and deliberate. The rat still lunged at somewhat unpredictable times. I could not video him out of the cage... just not safe.
In the background, you can hear sounds of wild birds and chickens...
My Dog hears rats even when I can't, they can produce Ultrasonic Vocalizations. Adults like this one may produce ultrasonic vocalizations in response to predators or as in this case, perceived danger.
Rats are omnivores... scrambled eggs (if you cook for them) is an absolute favorite food. A least favorite food would be celery, peaches or raw beets.
They are sexually mature in just five weeks! They live up to three years and can have pups every 3 weeks with litters up to 14.
They burrow in the ground, usually next to a structure such as a chicken coop. A scared rat will run to it's burrow if it can.
Rats have acute hearing and a highly developed sense of smell. Terrible vision... 20/600 which is why they don't like new objects in their run.
Rat colonies are territorial and will kill unfamiliar rats that enter their burrow site. They have been known to fight and hunt in Rat Packs.