Black Rat

Black to brown rodent has a naked tail. Also called roof rat, and ship rat, it is an agile, quick climber that can crawl into small holes the size of a quarter. Credited with the spread of the black death (Bubonic plague) during the Middle Ages.

Additional information

Common Name

Black Rat

Comments

Thought to be native to India, it has spread by humans as new lands were explored and developed. Also called 'ship rats'.

Scientific Name

Rattus rattus

Habitat

Found on all continents of the Earth.

Size

To 18 in. (45 cm)