Brown Rat

rodents · urban animals · widespread species

Masters of adaptation. Brown rats live on every continent except Antarctica, wherever humans have built cities, farms, or towns. They've spread across the world because they're incredibly good at finding food and shelter in human spaces.

Surprisingly large rodents. With a body up to 28 centimeters long and a tail almost as long as their body, brown rats are among the biggest rodents around. They can weigh between 140 and 500 grams, about as heavy as a smartphone.

Eat almost anything. Brown rats are omnivorous, meaning they'll eat meat, plants, seeds, garbage, and almost anything else they can find. This flexible diet helps them survive in cities where food is scattered everywhere.

Super fast breeders. Brown rats reproduce so quickly that their populations can grow enormous in just a few months. This rapid breeding is one reason they're so successful at spreading around the world.

Originated in China. Scientists believe brown rats first came from northern China and nearby areas thousands of years ago. From there, they hitched rides on ships and traveled with humans to every corner of the globe.