What do rats do in winter? - briefly
Rats remain active in winter, gathering in insulated nests or burrows, sharing body heat, and relying on stored food supplies. Their metabolism slows slightly, but they do not hibernate.
What do rats do in winter? - in detail
Rats adapt to cold weather through a combination of physiological adjustments, behavioral changes, and environmental modifications.
During low temperatures, metabolic rate increases, producing additional heat. Brown adipose tissue, a specialized fat layer, is activated to generate warmth without shivering. Core body temperature is maintained near 37 °C, while peripheral blood flow is reduced to conserve heat.
Nest construction intensifies. Individuals gather dry material—paper, cloth, insulation, dried vegetation—and compact it into dense chambers within burrows, building walls, and attics. Nests are insulated with multiple layers, creating microclimates that remain several degrees above ambient air.
Food acquisition shifts to stored reserves and opportunistic sources. Rats increase cache size, hoarding grains, seeds, and scraps in concealed locations. When external supplies dwindle, they exploit human habitats more frequently, entering homes, basements, and storage areas. Nighttime foraging activity rises, taking advantage of reduced predator presence.
Social dynamics become more cooperative. Group cohesion strengthens, with individuals sharing warmth and food. Hierarchical aggression diminishes; dominant rats tolerate subordinates within shared nests to maximize collective survival.
Reproductive activity declines. Hormonal changes suppress breeding cycles, reducing litter production until temperatures rise. Energy is redirected from gestation toward maintenance and thermoregulation.
Movement patterns contract. Travel distances shorten as rats prioritize proximity to reliable shelter and food caches. Seasonal migration to milder microhabitats—such as heated buildings or underground utilities—occurs when external conditions become extreme.
Health risks increase. Cold stress can compromise immune function, making rats more susceptible to respiratory infections. Parasite loads may rise due to crowded nesting conditions.
Overall, winter survival relies on enhanced heat production, fortified nesting, strategic food storage, altered social behavior, suppressed reproduction, limited movement, and heightened disease vulnerability.