Why does a rat start attacking when it is cornered? - briefly
When a rat senses that retreat is impossible, stress hormones surge and its nervous system triggers a defensive fight response. The resulting adrenaline and neurotransmitter release cause the animal to bite or scratch to protect itself.
Why does a rat start attacking when it is cornered? - in detail
Rats are prey species with a strong survival instinct. When an escape route is eliminated, the animal shifts from a flight response to a defensive attack. The transition is driven by several physiological and behavioral mechanisms.
The immediate trigger is the perception of an inescapable threat. Sensory cues—visual, auditory, or tactile—signal that the rat is confined. The brain’s amygdala processes this information as danger, activating the sympathetic nervous system. Adrenaline and norepinephrine surge, raising heart rate, increasing blood flow to muscles, and sharpening reflexes. Cortisol levels rise, sustaining the heightened state for several minutes.
These hormonal changes produce observable behaviors:
- Rapid, erratic movements aimed at breaking free.
- Elevated posture, tail flicking, and ear flattening to appear larger.
- Teeth bared, followed by quick lunges and bites directed at the source of confinement.
- Vocalizations such as high‑pitched squeaks that accompany the attack.
The aggression is not random; it serves as a last‑ditch defense. If escape remains impossible, inflicting injury on a potential predator may improve the chance of survival. In captive or laboratory settings, rats that have experienced repeated handling or confinement may exhibit stronger defensive responses because prior stress sensitizes the neural circuits involved.
Several factors modulate the intensity of the reaction:
- Sex: Males generally display higher territorial aggression than females.
- Age: Young adults are more likely to fight than juveniles, which tend to hide.
- Social hierarchy: Dominant individuals are more prone to confront threats directly.
- Genetics: Certain strains possess innate higher aggression levels.
Understanding this cascade clarifies why a trapped rat often resorts to attacking rather than remaining passive. The behavior reflects an evolved, hormone‑driven strategy to counteract a situation where flight is no longer viable.