Rats have been around humans for many decades, populating the underworld of sewer pipelines. They are thin-tailed, medium-size rodents, commonly seen in homes, on the streets, parks, and pretty much everywhere. Despite their cute appearance, small size, and thin body, this animal is known to spread deadly diseases. In this blog, you will read some interesting facts about rats that will help you differentiate them from mice.
Amazing Fun Facts About Rats
Table of Contents
1. A group of rats is called a “mischief”.
2. They are nocturnal animals.
3. Their whiskers are more sensitive than human fingertips.
4. They come in different colours including black, white, grey, brown, and red, depending on the species.
5. Their eyes are located on either side of their head that can move in opposite directions. This helps them spot predators above them.
6. They have excellent hearing and can hear sounds that are high-pitched for humans.
7. Their tails help balance and may even direct some of their body heat through them.
Also Read: 12 Interesting Facts About Insects For Kids
8. Rats are excellent swimmers.
9. The bosavi woolly rat is believed to be the biggest rat. It can grow up to 32 inches long and weigh more than 3 pounds.
10. The common house rat is about 20 inches long and weighs approximately 12 punches.
11. Pregnancy in rats can last about three weeks.
12. The litter size generally ranges from 6 to 20 babies.
13. The teeth of rats never stop growing.
14. A single rat can leave up to 25,000 droppings a year.
15. They can chew through aluminium, wood, plastic, soft concrete, and clothes.
Also Read: 20 Interesting Facts About Butterflies for Kids
16. Since their teeth never stop growing, they have to constantly gnaw to wear down their teeth.
17. Rats are well-known carriers of disease and have been suspected of spreading typhus, bubonic plague, and leptospirosis.
18. 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008 are the years of rats according to the Chinese zodiac. Accordingly, people born in any of these years are thought to be cunning and prosperous.
19. Musophobia refers to the fear of mice and rats.
20. In 2016, Paris, the city of lights was forced to shut down several parks due to rat infestation.
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FAQs
Some special facts about rats include that their teeth are continuously growing, they are excellent swimmers, they are nocturnal animals, and lastly, they can spread some deadly diseases.
Some rat facts for kids are that they can swim, they have excellent hearing, they are nocturnal, and lastly, their litter generally involves 6 to 20 babies.
Rats can hold their breath underwater for up to three minutes. This allows them to swim easily in your sewer lines and drain pipes.
Hope you had fun reading these interesting facts about rats. If you like reading about facts, you can visit our interesting facts page to read more such blogs.