Large, robust rodents found throughout the U.S., particularly within cities and on farms.
Description
Flea-infected Norway rats indirectly killed millions of people during the Middle Ages in Europe. The direct result of the transmission of the Bubonic Plague. These ‘carrier’ fleas spread the disease to humans, in turn causing death. Norway rats were introduced into the United States in the early 1700s via trading ships and have since spread across the country, with the largest, most concentrated rat populations occurring within inner cities.
Biology And Behavior
- These are large, usually grayish rodents approximately 16 inches long, including the tail, and weighing between 12 and 16 ounces.
- The average number of offspring during a three-week ‘pregnancy’ period; averages eight to nine per litter.
- They prefer grains, seeds, and insects as food sources but will consume almost any food.
- They consume an ounce of food per day and are highly dependent on water sources.
- Neophobic: meaning they are wary of new objects and foods in their environment.
- Norway rats can squeeze through 1/2-inch cracks and gaps.
- Most Norway rats live for less than one year.
