How do rats eat mice? - briefly
«Rats capture a mouse, bite the neck or spinal area with their incisors, and ingest the soft tissues whole or in manageable pieces». «The skull is often discarded after the flesh is consumed».
How do rats eat mice? - in detail
Rats occasionally prey on mice when food scarcity or territorial competition arises. Their opportunistic predation follows a sequence of sensory assessment, capture, immobilisation, ingestion and digestion.
The initial phase relies on acute olfactory and auditory cues. Rats detect mouse movement through scent trails and rustling sounds, allowing rapid localisation within a few metres.
Capture involves a swift pounce or chase. Muscular hind‑limbs generate a burst of speed; the predator seizes the mouse with its forepaws, using sharp claws to grip the torso.
Immobilisation is achieved by a bite to the neck or skull. Strong incisors deliver a crushing force that fractures cranial bones, causing immediate loss of consciousness.
Ingestion proceeds as follows:
- The rat tears the carcass with its incisors, exposing soft tissue.
- Chewing is limited; the animal swallows chunks whole, aided by a flexible jaw that accommodates large pieces.
- Saliva contains enzymes that begin protein breakdown.
- The esophagus transports food to the stomach, where gastric acids and pepsin further denature proteins.
- Small intestine enzymes complete digestion; nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Undigested remnants pass to the large intestine and are expelled as feces.
Throughout the process, the rat’s digestive tract handles both plant matter and animal protein, demonstrating physiological adaptability to occasional carnivorous intake.