What do wild rats look like? - briefly
Wild rats have brown‑to‑gray fur, a slender body, a long hairless tail, and a pointed snout. Adults measure 6–12 inches in body length, with tails of comparable length.
What do wild rats look like? - in detail
Wild rats are medium‑sized rodents, typically measuring 20–30 cm from nose to the base of the tail, with an additional 15–25 cm of tail length. Adult body mass ranges from 150 g to 350 g, depending on species and food availability.
The coat is dense, short, and water‑repellent. Common coloration includes brown, gray, or black dorsal fur, often with a lighter ventral side. Some individuals display a reddish hue or mottled patches caused by genetic variation or environmental wear. Seasonal shedding may produce a thinner, paler coat in summer.
Head morphology features a pointed snout, small rounded ears positioned high on the skull, and dark, prominent eyes. Whiskers (vibrissae) extend laterally and forward, providing tactile feedback. The dental formula includes continuously growing incisors with orange‑yellow enamel at the tip.
The tail is naked, scaly, and slightly longer than the body. It serves as a balance aid and thermoregulatory organ. Forelimbs possess dexterous paws with five digits, each equipped with sharp claws for climbing and digging. Hind limbs are longer, facilitating powerful leaps.
Key variations among feral rat populations:
- Species: brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) – robust build, coarse brown fur; black rat (Rattus rattus) – slender body, longer tail, darker coat.
- Geography: coastal groups often exhibit darker pigmentation; inland populations may show lighter shades.
- Age: juveniles possess softer, lighter fur and proportionally larger heads.
- Sex: males are generally larger, with broader skulls and more pronounced scent glands.
Overall, wild rats present a uniform set of physical traits adapted for nocturnal foraging, burrowing, and rapid movement across diverse habitats.