ed-rats

=__Title__= 1996 RATS

__Scientific Name:__
Rattus norvegicus

__Physical description:__
Small, black or brown fur, long tails, and very large teeth.

__Size:__
They are 9 to 11 inches long with a 7 to 9 inch long tail.

__Average lifespan:__
2 to 3 years.

__Habitat:__
Sewers or damp, dark, and dirty places.

__Range:__
They live in sewers all over the world.

__Diet:__
Rats are omnivores and will eat just about anything. It ranges from food to nuts to insects.

__Behavior & adaptations to its way of life:__
Rats start to play at 18 days of age, rats are very defencive around predators.

__How it reproduces:__
Rats reproduce sexually. Rats can reach sexual maturity at 5 weeks old. Rats don't have a breeding season.

__Relationship to other animals (predator/prey, parasite, etc.):__
Snakes, cats, owls, hawks and eagles are some of the animals that hunt rats.

__Relationship to people:__
Rats brought the black plague and killed over 1500 people. Rats are also household pets.

__History:__
Rats have been around for millions of years.

__Status:__
Common