There are many reasons why rats are great, they are clean, sociable and bright but sadly because of their poor reputation people don’t see how great they are.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million rats in the UK. This estimate alone has risen in the last year by 30 million because they have flourished in lockdown!

If there are so many of them though, why don’t we see them? Well this is partly because they are nocturnal but also because they are great at not being seen! Rats have adapted to living alongside us better than any other animal. 

Here are 5 reasons why rats are great:

1.Rats are strong swimmers

They can swim over a mile in open water and tread water for up to three days.

2.Rats can squeeze through incredibly small openings

They are so long and flexible that as long as their head fits, their body will follow.

3.Rats have excellent memory

Rats can remember up to 30 events in context and once they learn routes they are unlikely to forget them.

4.Rats haven’t always had a bad rep

In Ancient Rome, rats were actually considered lucky, Ancient Egyptians and Mayans even worshipped rats.

5.Rats are big on chewing for a reason

They can chew through lead, cinder block, and aluminium sheeting! But as their teeth grow about four inches a year, they have to gnaw on things to keep their teeth from pushing through their skulls!

Check out this video from BBC Spring Watch which shows the kind of habitat where you might be able to spot a rat! https://fb.watch/3ZUihTMZbc/