Rats are typically distinguished from mice by their size. Usually the common name of a large muroid rodent will include the word "rat", while a smaller muroid's name will include "mouse". …

Nov 19, 2025 · Rat, the term generally and indiscriminately applied to numerous members of several rodent families having bodies longer than about 12 cm, or 5 inches. (Smaller thin-tailed …

Dec 2, 2025 · Learn rat facts and information from the rodent experts at EcoGuard Pest Management.

Apr 27, 2023 · With nearly 60 species of rat discovered so far, these rodents come in all sizes. They are typically 5 inches (12 centimeters), or longer, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Some rodents that we call “rats” are not true members of Rattus, including the pack rat, naked mole rat, and giant pouched rat.

Perhaps the most well-known rat species is the Norwegian brown rat, Rattus norvegicus. They are thought to have originated in China but travelled on ships and colonised other parts of the world.

May 27, 2024 · A rat uses its whiskers to safely navigate its way through dark tunnels and narrow spaces. Their whiskers are doubly important because these rodents are active during the night.