They possess hairless scaly tails that are often longer than their bodies and in addition to their dexterous feet allow them to jump and climb with ease.
Roof rats in michigan.
Roof rats are more aerial than norway rats in their habitat selection and often live in trees or on vine covered fences.
However there are reports of black rats living up to 4 years under captivity.
Both are considered to be commensal rodents meaning that they share the table with humans and are thought to be among a small minority of rat species to benefit from this type of relationship.
Roof rats are prolific breeders and multiply at a frighteningly fast rate.
They weigh about 4 12 oz.
Roof rats are more aerial than norway rats in their habitat selection and often live in trees or on vine covered fences.
They typically prefer higher nesting sites like roofs and upper floors.
Similar in appearance to other common types of rats roof rats have dark brown or black coats light underbellies narrow bodies and large ears.
Landscaped residential or industrial areas provide good habitat as does riparian vegetation of riverbanks and streams.
Parks with natural and artificial ponds or reservoirs may also be infested.
As researched by the university of michigan animal diversity web roof rats in the wild live up to is about 12 months.
There are many species of rats found in detroit columbus cleveland and throughout the united states but two rat species are of particular concern as pests roof rats and norway rats.
Landscaped residential or industrial areas provide good habitat as does riparian vegetation of riverbanks and streams.
Biology black rats are generalists and eat almost any food from fruits to invertebrates.