Brown Rat
Brown Rats have coarse brown or occasionally black fur with a pale underside. They have a long tail which is sparsely haired.
Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter.
Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread.
Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles.
Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year.
Date: 8th April 2017
Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex
Although originally native to eastern Asia and Japan, Brown Rats are now distributed world-wide. They spread across the UK via the shipping traffic from foreign countries in the 18th century and largely replaced the Black Rat. They are highly adaptable and can be found all over the UK, except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, and live in loose colonies and home ranges of around 50 metres in diameter.
Along with the House Mouse, the Brown Rat is considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the UK and they are subject to persistent pest control due to the damage they cause and the numerous diseases they spread.
Brown Rats are omnivorous and have a very varied diet. They are typically nocturnal although they will sometimes forage for food during the day. They also swim well and are sometimes mistaken for Water Voles.
Brown Rats live for around 18 months and breed throughout the year producing 5 litters of 8 young a year.
Date: 8th April 2017
Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex
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Also in: Other mammals
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