How do rats steal eggs by carrying them on their backs? - briefly
Rats secure an egg against the fur on their back using their forepaws, then swiftly move it to their nest.
How do rats steal eggs by carrying them on their backs? - in detail
Rats employ a series of coordinated behaviors to acquire and relocate eggs from nests or storage containers. The process begins with scouting: individuals use their acute sense of smell to detect the presence of eggs, often concealed within bedding, litter, or shallow depressions. Upon locating an egg, a rat positions itself beneath the object, using its forepaws to grip the shell while its incisors may create a small opening if the shell is intact.
The animal then lifts the egg onto its back, aligning it along the midline of the spine. Specialized musculature and flexible vertebral joints allow the rat to balance the load without compromising mobility. The dorsal fur provides a degree of friction, preventing the egg from slipping during movement. Rats typically adopt a low, crouched gait to lower the center of gravity, which enhances stability when transporting the fragile cargo.
Navigation back to a secure site involves the following steps:
- Path selection – the rat chooses routes with minimal obstacles, often preferring narrow tunnels or concealed passages that reduce exposure to predators.
- Speed regulation – locomotion speed is adjusted to maintain balance; rapid bursts are avoided to prevent dislodgement.
- Re‑evaluation – tactile feedback from the egg’s surface prompts occasional adjustments, such as shifting the load slightly to redistribute weight.
Once the destination—commonly a hidden burrow, a nest box, or a storage area—is reached, the rat gently lowers the egg onto a soft substrate. If the shell is compromised, the rat may use its mouth to reposition the contents, ensuring the yolk remains intact for later consumption. This entire sequence can be completed within a few minutes, demonstrating the species’ adaptability and problem‑solving capabilities in exploiting protein‑rich resources.