Norway Rats in NJ
The Norway Rat is one of the most well-known and common rats, and also one of the largest. Thought to have originated in northern China, this rodent has now spread to all continents and is the dominant rat in Europe and much of North America.
Identification
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is commonly found near human habitats, residing in urban or suburban areas, including residences, cellars, warehouses, and sewers. On farms, they inhabit barns, granaries, and livestock buildings. They burrow under structures, concrete slabs, and along water bodies where food, water, and shelter are available. Also known as the brown rat, house rat, or sewer rat, it's slightly larger than the roof rat, weighing around 1 pound on average. Their fur is coarse, typically brownish or reddish-gray above and whitish gray below, with blackish variations in some areas. While capable of climbing, Norway rats usually occupy lower floors of multi-story buildings.
General Biology, Reproduction, and Behavior
Norway rats are primarily nocturnal, becoming active around dusk to seek food and water, though some may be active during daylight in high-population areas. With poor eyesight, they rely heavily on their hearing, smell, taste, and touch. They're considered color-blind, allowing baits to be dyed for safety. Rats use their keen sense of smell to find food and recognize others, while their taste sensitivity can detect contaminants at low levels.
These rats typically nest underground or at ground level, using shredded materials like paper or cloth. They bear litters of 6 to 12 young after a gestation period of 21 to 23 days. Newborns are hairless and blind but mature rapidly, consuming solid food at 2 1/2 to 3 weeks. Independent by 3 to 4 weeks, they reach reproductive maturity at 3 months. Breeding peaks in spring and fall, with fewer occurrences in summer and none in winter in severe climates. A female may produce 4 to 6 litters annually, weaning around 20 offspring per year.
Norway rats possess physical abilities allowing them to enter structures by gnawing, climbing, jumping, swimming, and other means.
Are you in search of further information about Norway rats?? Check out our in-depth Norway rat technical paper by clicking the "Learn More" button!
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