One of the Woodchucks noticed a strange, medium-length, furry animal on his bird feeder. After patiently watching, he was able to get some good pictures of the critter. He sent the pictures to the McHenry County Extension Services, who told him he had a Norway rat.
The Norway rat, also called the brown rat or sewer rat, is a destructive pest found in urban and suburban neighborhoods. They are not uncommon in this area, although we have not seen one before. These rodents eat and contaminate food, damage buildings and other property by their gnawing and burrowing, and may spread diseases that affect people and pets.
Norway rats are husky, brownish rodents that weigh about 11 ounces. They are about 13- to 18-inches long, including the 6- to 8 1/2-inch tail. Their fur is coarse and mostly brown with scattered black on the upper surfaces. The underside is typically grey to yellowish-white.
Rats require 1/2 to 1 fluid ounce of water daily when feeding on dry food. Rats have keen taste, hearing, and sense of smell. They will climb to find food or shelter, and they can gain entrance to a building through any opening larger than 1/2 inch across.
Rats have litters of six to 12 young, which are born 21 to 23 days after mating. Young rats reach reproductive maturity in about three months. Breeding is most active in spring and fall. The average female has four to six litters per year. Rats can live for up to 18 months, but most die before they are one year old.
The easiest way to catch and transport these rats is with a Have-a-Heart trap. The rat in these photos was trapped in two days with bait of peanut butter. He is now living comfortably in another county.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.
