Discover how surprisingly large rats can grow and learn about the biggest ones ever recorded.
Key takeaways:
- Gambian pouched rats can grow up to 3 feet long.
- Bosavi woolly rats reach nearly 32 inches in length.
- Sumatran bamboo rats weigh up to 8.8 pounds and stretch over 20 inches.
- Norway rats grow up to 9 to 11 inches in body length.
- Urban rats tend to be bulkier than country rats.
The Biggest Rats On Record
We’re talking about rats the size of small cats. Yes, such colossal critters do exist. Among our furry friends, the Gambian pouched rat takes the trophy. They can grow up to 3 feet long, including their tail. Tail or not, that’s still a sizable roommate.
Next up is the Bosavi woolly rat, discovered in Papua New Guinea. This fluff monster reaches nearly 32 inches and weighs up to 3.3 pounds. Imagine finding one of these in your pantry!
And then there’s the hefty Sumatran bamboo rat. It tips the scales at 8.8 pounds and stretches over 20 inches. Not your everyday pet store variety.
Outlier sightings like these keep rat enthusiasts buzzing. Records are sometimes sketchy and subject to tall tales, but these examples are verified and – gulp – real.
Size Comparison of Common Wild Rat Species
Norway rats, the sturdy fellows, can grow up to 9 to 11 inches in body length, not counting their equally hefty tails. They’ve got the kind of presence that screams, “I own this subway platform!” Their cousins, the black rats, are slightly more modest, usually clocking in around 5 to 7 inches. But don’t be fooled; they’re the daredevils who are more likely to turn your attic into a rooftop party zone.
Then we have the Gambian pouched rats, the heavyweight champs. These African natives stretch out to 18 inches in body length, looking like they’ve just walked out of a prehistoric movie set. They’ve even been trained to sniff out landmines—in case you needed another reason to be both impressed and slightly horrified.
City rats versus country rats also offer an interesting comparison. Urban rats tend to be bulkier, thanks to their fast-food diet and relative abundance of, well, everything. Country rats? Leaner and more athletic, like they’ve just been through a rodent boot camp.
No high school reunion is complete without size comparisons, right?
Need Help With Your Rat Problem?
Noticed a furry visitor scuttling around your kitchen? Let’s address that unwelcome guest! First off, remember, you’re not alone in this. Millions face rat problems, so let’s get to it!
Seal those entry points. Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter! How they manage this is a mystery of both horror and fascination, but let’s block those tiny gaps.
Next up, clean up food sources. Messy pantry? It’s a rat’s dream. Store food in airtight containers and keep the counters crumb-free. Even their rat friends won’t believe this paradise when they come visiting and find nothing to munch on.
Consider traps. Call in the professionals if the rat party is getting out of control. Exterminators have seen it all and have the know-how to deal with these uninvited party crashers efficiently.
Lastly, don’t forget to maintain regular checks. You don’t want a cunning rat to play hide and seek under your nose.
Rat-proofing, frequent cleaning, and professional help should have you rodent-free in no time, minus the drama of a full-blown ratatouille adventure!
