Rat Fun Facts

A group of rats is called “pack,” “swarm,” or “mischief.”

It is possible that a male rat and a female rat can have over one million descendents in less than two years.

Pet rats are loyal, clean, and intelligent.

There has not been a record in the US of a human being catching rabies from a rat bite (Center of Disease Control, CDC).

Rats starred in about 500 films and television series.

Physical Features and Abilities

Rats can swim for a long time without a break—they can keep themselves floating for 3 days.

Rats can even nibble through concrete and metal.

A rat can regulate its temperature through its tail.

The glands rats have on the bottom of their feet leave a wet scent trail to mark their way back.

Intelligence

It is difficult to poison rats because they eat a small portion of a new food; if it made them sick they will not eat the rest of the food.

Kangeroo Rat

Rat and cultures

Ancient Rome: Romans considered the rat to be a sign of good luck.

India: Karni Mata, a Hindu goddess, whose temple, the Temple of Deshnoke, is also known as the Temple of Rats due to the 20,000 rats that live in it. If someone killed a rat, he/she must replace the rat with a rat gold statue.

Ancient Egypt: Egyptians worshiped rats.

Maya civilization: Mayans worshiped rats.

China: The first of the 12 animal symbols in Chinese Zodiac is the rat. Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year cycle; each year has its own animal symbol. The rat represents a disciplined and an industrious person. It is the symbol of prosperity and shrewdness. The last rat year was February 7, 2008, to January 25, 2009. The next one will be January 25, 2020, to February 11 2021.

Fun Facts about Other Animals