What does a basement rat look like? - briefly
A basement rat is usually a medium‑sized brown rat, about 9–12 inches long including a scaly, hairless tail roughly equal to its body length, with coarse, dark brown to gray fur, a blunt nose, and small rounded ears. Its eyes are small and red‑tinged, and its paws are equipped with sharp claws for climbing.
What does a basement rat look like? - in detail
Rats that infest basements are typically Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Their bodies measure 9–11 inches (23–28 cm) from nose to the base of the tail; the tail adds another 7–9 inches (18–23 cm). Weight ranges from 350 g to 500 g.
Fur is coarse, dense, and usually brown to dark brown, sometimes with a reddish hue on the belly. The dorsal coat is uniform; ventral fur is lighter, often gray‑white.
The head is broad with a blunt muzzle. Eyes are small, dark, and set low on the skull. Ears are relatively small, rounded, and covered with fine hair. Whiskers (vibrissae) are long, extending well beyond the snout, providing tactile feedback in dark environments.
Limbs are robust. Front paws have five digits with strong claws for digging and climbing; hind paws are slightly longer, aiding in rapid movement. The tail is thick, scaly, and slightly tapering, used for balance.
Key external markers include:
- Scars or healed bite wounds on the tail or limbs, common in crowded colonies.
- Dark, oily sheen on the fur, reflecting the damp conditions of underground spaces.
- Slightly flattened hind feet, adapted for sprinting on hard surfaces.
These physical traits enable the animal to navigate low‑light, cluttered basements, locate food sources, and reproduce efficiently.