Rats Rats are true omnivores and can eat everything from grains, vegetables and eggs to carrion. An adult rat is able to eat a third of its weight in twenty-four hours. Large cities are ideal places for them because there are large amounts of spoiled food and places to hide. Rats live in groups formed by a male and several females. The dominance within a group is based on size rather than age. Low-ranked individuals are usually denied access to food during normal feedings and they have to forage during the daytime. Wild rats are common all over the world and are very adaptable to any climate. These animals are associated with humans and are found in all major cities. They grow very quickly and their reproductive rate is very high: theoretically a female can produce about 60 babies a year. Rats have an excellent sense of hearing and smell. They are good athletes and can run long distances, swim, jump and land on narrow edges, climb the walls and balance on ropes. Rats spread illness. Rat-bite fever refers to an infection which usually develops after having been bitten or scratched by an infected rat. Other rodents (such as mice and gerbils) may also spread the infection to humans. Sometimes infection can result from handling infected rats, with no reported bite or scratch. It is also possible to become infected by ingesting food or drink (such as milk or water) contaminated with rat excrement. This form of the disease is sometimes referred to as Haverhill fever. Call Us Now! |
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