Black rat

The black rat is a slender, long-tailed rodent that thrives around humans, often nesting in roofs and ships. Originally from South Asia, it now lives almost everywhere people do. This adaptable eater makes itself at home in cities and farms worldwide.

• Its flexible diet lets it eat almost anything humans leave behind
• Often called a roof rat for its climbing skills
• Spread globally by hitchhiking on ships and trade routes