Brown Rat ‒ Anatomy

Rats are typically distinguished from mice by their size, with generally squat bodies and short limbs. Their skulls and nasal bones are relatively narrow, and their forelimbs usually have five digits equipped with claw-like nails, allowing them to walk on both the palms and soles of their feet. Rats are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in both the upper and lower jaws, which never stop growing. They use these sharp incisors to gnaw on food, dig burrows, and defend themselves. They also have long, sensitive whiskers, known as vibrissae, which aid in tactile sensing. The tail is usually longer than the body and used for balance. Their ears are large relative to their body, much like the tail. Males tend to be heavier and longer than females. Although they are commonly associated with a black or dark coat, their fur can also exhibit shades of brown and gray.