Small Mammals of North Dakota
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegious
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Norway rats are a nonnative species brought into eastern North America by ships about the time of the American revolution. They are the common rat living in close quarters with humans in buildings, trash filled alleys, and sewer systems. On farms, they may be found in grain bins, stock feeding areas, and other buildings.
This rat cannot normally be confused with the other native species which live only in unpopulated badlands habitat of western North Dakota. Norway rats are 15 inches long overall with a 7 inch tail. They are solid grayish brown above and below and have a scaly tail, unlike other native species. They weigh more than half a pound. These rats are considered pests and attempts to remove them are ongoing.
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