Norway rats are common in human environments, from urban sewers to agricultural lands. Their presence often raises concerns about aggression. This article examines their typical behaviors, when and why aggression manifests, and provides guidance for safe interactions and prevention.
Understanding Their Typical Behavior
Norway rats, also known as brown or sewer rats, are generally nocturnal, most active around dusk and pre-dawn. They primarily forage, build nests, and establish burrows during these times. Though found near human activity, their disposition is typically avoidance, not confrontation. These rodents have poor eyesight but compensate with keen senses of smell, hearing, and touch to navigate their surroundings.
Norway rats are highly social, living in colonies of 15 to 150 individuals with dominance hierarchies. They constantly explore, memorizing pathways and locations of food, water, and shelter. When threatened, their primary instinct is to flee and seek cover. This flight response is fundamental to their survival.
When Aggression Manifests
While generally avoiding conflict, Norway rats can exhibit aggression under specific circumstances. A common trigger is feeling cornered or trapped, with no escape. In such situations, a rat may lash out defensively. This is a survival mechanism when their natural flight instinct is overridden.
Maternal aggression is another factor, particularly when a female protects her young. This protective instinct peaks around the ninth day of lactation, when mothers may bite, sidle, or kick at intruders approaching the litter. Additionally, Norway rats, especially males, can become aggressive defending their territory against unfamiliar intruders. This defense is often heightened when food or shelter resources are scarce. Aggressive displays include hissing, squealing, lunging, biting, sidling, boxing, and kicking.
Safe Interactions and Prevention
To minimize provoking a Norway rat, understand their behavior and take preventative measures. Avoid handling a rat, as this is perceived as a direct threat, leading to a defensive bite. Maintain a safe distance and allow the animal an escape route if an encounter occurs. If a rat appears agitated or aggressive, retreat slowly and calmly.
Prevention focuses on limiting access to food, water, and shelter, primary attractants for rats. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up crumbs or spills. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and remove outdoor pet food.
Seal common entry points into buildings, such as cracks around pipes, gaps around doors, and damaged weather stripping, to prevent rats from entering. Reducing clutter and overgrown vegetation around properties also removes potential hiding spots and nesting areas. If a rat infestation is suspected, professional pest control services can provide effective and safe removal.