What is an American rat called? - briefly
The common house rat in the United States is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), frequently called the Norway rat. A less common species is the black rat (Rattus rattus).
What is an American rat called? - in detail
The rodent most frequently identified as the “American rat” is the brown rat, scientifically Rattus norvegicus. It is also known as the Norway rat, sewer rat, or street rat.
The species belongs to the family Muridae and is native to northern China. It spread worldwide through human commerce, establishing large populations across North America, where it is the dominant urban rat.
Key characteristics:
- Size: 20–25 cm body length, 15–20 cm tail; weight 200–500 g.
- Fur: coarse, brown to gray‑brown dorsal coat, lighter ventral side.
- Behavior: nocturnal, highly adaptable, omnivorous, capable of swimming and climbing.
Common names vary by region and context:
- “Brown rat” – emphasizes coat color, used in scientific and pest‑control literature.
- “Norway rat” – historic name linked to early European shipments, retained in many English‑speaking countries.
- “Sewer rat” – colloquial term referring to its prevalence in underground infrastructure.
Differences from the black rat (Rattus rattus):
- Larger body and tail length.
- More robust skull and stronger teeth.
- Preference for ground burrows rather than high‑elevation nesting sites.
Control measures typically target the brown rat because of its role as a disease vector and its impact on food storage. Effective strategies include habitat modification, baiting, and trapping, all of which rely on accurate species identification.
In summary, the North American rodent commonly called the American rat is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), known by several synonyms that reflect its appearance, origin, and habitat.