What does a street rat look? - briefly
A street rat is a small, scruffy rodent with coarse fur, a lean body, sharp whiskers, and a gaunt, alert appearance. Its ears are large, eyes bright, and tail long, enabling swift movement through urban alleys.
What does a street rat look? - in detail
A street rat is a medium‑sized rodent adapted to urban environments. Adults typically measure 20–30 cm in body length, with an additional 15–25 cm tail that is hairless, scaly, and longer than the torso. The weight ranges from 250 g to 500 g, reflecting a lean build suited for rapid movement through narrow alleys and sewers.
The coat is coarse and varies from dark brown to almost black on the dorsal side, often with a lighter, grayish ventral surface. Seasonal shedding may reveal a slightly reddish hue on the back. Ears are large, rounded, and covered with thin fur; they remain uncovered at the tips, providing acute auditory perception. Eyes are small, dark, and positioned on the sides of the head, granting a wide field of view. Whiskers extend well beyond the muzzle, serving as tactile sensors.
Key physical characteristics include:
- Tail: naked, prehensile, tapered, with a slight upward curve.
- Paws: five toes on each foot, equipped with sharp, retractable claws for climbing.
- Dental structure: continuously growing incisors, orange‑tinged enamel, exposed when the mouth is open.
- Skin: thin, pinkish under the fur, prone to scabs and wounds from frequent fights.
Health indicators often observed in urban rats are:
- Scruffy fur – uneven patches, missing hairs, or oily sheen.
- Visible scars – healed bite marks or abrasions.
- Enlarged lymph nodes – palpable swellings near the jaw.
- Respiratory sounds – occasional wheezing due to polluted air exposure.
Behavioral posture reflects the physical form: a low, crouched stance when foraging, rapid darting motions when threatened, and a tendency to balance on vertical surfaces using the tail and claws. These traits collectively define the outward appearance of the city‑dwelling rodent.