Brown rat

Scientific name: Rattus norvegicus

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Brown rats have coarse, greyish-brown fur on the back with a lighter grey-white belly; the tail is scaly, thick, and slightly shorter than head-body length. Adults are robust and heavyset with small rounded ears and blunt snouts.

Size and weight

Adults typically weigh 200–500 g, with males larger than females; head-body length 20–25 cm, tail 15–22 cm.

Habitat

Brown rats inhabit urban, suburban, and agricultural areas, preferring locations near human structures, grain stores, and waste sources. They thrive at ground level in buildings, burrows, sewers, and dense vegetation near water.

Distribution

Brown rats are found worldwide in temperate and tropical regions, originating from Central Asia. They are synanthropic, clustering around human settlements, farms, and food storage facilities rather than in open countryside.

Diet

Brown rats are opportunistic omnivores consuming grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and animal matter; they favour high-energy foods like grain and nuts where available.

Behaviour

Brown rats are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk; they are social, living in colonies with dominance hierarchies and established runways, and are excellent climbers and swimmers.

Hunting tips

Look for smooth, dark cylindrical droppings (8–12 mm) and greasy smudge marks along walls and runways. Approach quietly near burrow entrances, grain stores, or water sources at dusk; use minimal noise and remain downwind where possible. Target active runways marked by flattened vegetation and repeated foot traffic.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

Finland

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.