Autumn is the time of year when young animals leave the family unit and begin seeking homes of their own.
“During the fall months people often encounter small animals like rodents under unusual and bewildering circumstances and surroundings,” says John Bourne, a vertebrate pest specialist with Alberta Agriculture.
“In reality, young or juvenile rodents are only doing what comes naturally, seeking a home of their own.”
Bourne said there are several ways to tell most common rodents from rats.
The most distinguishing feature of Norway and roof rats are their long, cylindrical, hairless tails that are nearly as long as the animals’ 18-20 centimetre bodies.
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Other rodents such as muskrats have considerably shorter tails covered with hair.
Unlike native rodents, Norway rats have small eyes and short ears that do not reach the eye, while roof rats have long ears that touch the eye and large black eyes. Both have a short, almost blunt-shaped nose.
Rats also have small, dainty, pinkish-coloured feet that are almost hairless with fine, short claws, while most common rodents have long, heavy claws for digging.
“Norway rats are very secretive, shy, nocturnal animals that are very rarely seen during the day,” Bourne said. “Rats are also fearful of, and are very rarely seen in, wide-open spaces.”
He said the most important step after identifying a rat is to contact municipal authorities as soon as possible.
“Be sure to preserve as much evidence as possible for identification, including any animal remains, nesting materials and droppings.”
