Roof Rat ( Rattus rattus)

aka  "black", "ship rat" 

Identification

• Measures approximately 41 cm in length, from nose to tail
• Can weigh anywhere between 150 and 250 g
• Fur is normally brown with black, to gray to black with a white with a grey or cream coloured underside
• Tail is longer than the rest of body; dark and scaly in appearance
• Snout is pointed, ears and eyes are large, and body is slender
• Droppings are approximately 12.5 mm in length and spindle-shaped, with pointed ends

Habitat and Behaviour

• Is common to coastal communities and seaports in Canada
• Exhibits neophobic behaviour (i.e. avoids, or retreats from, unfamiliar objects and situations)
• Is poor-sighted, but has excellent sense of hearing, smell, touch, and taste
• Is a great runner and climber
• Is primarily nocturnal
• Prefers to nest in higher locations (e.g. trees or the upper parts of structures); however, will also burrow or nest in dense vegetation
• Can penetrate through an opening as small as 12 mm to enter a structure
• Is omnivorous, but prefers fruits, vegetables, and cereals
• Requires water daily (30 to 60 mL), which may come in part or whole from the food it consumes
• May travel up to 91 m from its harbourage in search of food and water

Lifecycle

• Gestation period is approximately 22 days
• Averages 4 to 6 litters per year, with an average of 6 to 8 young per litter
• Sexual maturity is reached between 2 and 5 months
• Average lifespan is 9 to 12 months