Alternate name: Brown Rat

Family: Muridae, Mice and Rats view all from this family

Description Dark rat with brownish-gray back and a grayish belly with tail shorter than head and body. Scaly tail and dark belly distinguish it from woodrats.

Dimensions 315-460mm, 120-215mm, 195-485g

Habitat Cities, suburbs & towns

Range Plains, Great Lakes, New England, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Southwest, Florida, Texas, California, Northwest, Eastern Canada, Western Canada, Alaska

Discussion A later introduction that has outcompeted Roof Rats in many areas. Widespread from southern Canada throughout United States in both urban and old field habitats.