Also known as Black Rat, Fruit Rat, Grey-Bellied Rat, House Rat, Ship Rat, White-Bellied Rat.

Body Shape/Size: Slender, sleek

Max. Body Wt.: 9 oz.

Nose Shape: Pointed

Ears: Small, mostly without hairs. Can be pulled over eyes.

Eyes: Large

Tail Color: Uniformly dark all over.

Tail Length: Longer than head and body combined.

Droppings: At least one end pointed, clearly tapered. Spindle-shaped. About 1/2″ in length.

Nests: Prefers to live in walls, attics, trees, climbing vines, berry vines and shrubbery against walls of houses. Can also live in wood piles, storage boxes and yard and garden storage.

Foraging Range: Up to 300 ft.

Days to Maturity: 90 – 120 days

Number of Young per Litter: 6 – 10

Number of Litters per year: 6 – 8

Food Habits: Omnivorous, but prefers more fruit, nuts, grains and vegetables. Eats about 1 oz. per day. Shy, has new object reaction.

Water Needs: Must find water or consume foods with a high water content on a regular basis.

Climbing Ability: Active climber, very agile.

 Swimming Ability: Not fond of water but can swim if needed.

Minimal Crawl Through Opening: Capable of squeezing through a space as small as 1/2″ inch in diameter.