There are a few different animals that people sometimes mistake for rats. One of the most common is the common Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus). This species of rat is actually quite large and can grow up to 18 inches long not including its tail. They are also very thin with scraggly fur that is usually brown or grey in color. Brown rats are very common in urban areas and are often seen rummaging through garbage cans or darting through alleys.
Another animal that is sometimes mistaken for a rat is the American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). These animals are much smaller than Brown Rats only growing to be about 10 inches long. They are also much more reddish in color hence their name. Red Squirrels are common in forests and wooded areas throughout North America.
One of the most surprising animals that people sometimes mistake for rats is the Opossum (Didelphis virginiana). These animals are actually marsupials and are only distantly related to true rats. They are much larger than Brown Rats growing to be up to 3 feet long. Opossums are also usually grey or white in color with a long snout. These animals are common in North and South America and are often seen rummaging through garbage cans in urban areas.
So what does a rat actually look like? A true rat has a body that is only about 12 inches long without counting its tail. Rat tails are usually about the same length as their bodies. Rat fur is usually brown or black and is relatively smooth. Rats also have relatively long snouts and small ears that are close to their head. If you see an animal that matches this description chances are it is a rat.
What animal is known for its long tail and for being very good at swimming?
A beaver.
What animal is known for being very big having a trunk and being grey?
An elephant.
What animal is known for having spots being very fast and liking to eat meat?
A cheetah.
What animal is known for being very small being brown and having a long nose?
A mouse.
What animal is known for being very large having antlers and eating plants?
A moose.
What animal is known for being very small being black and white and having a long tail?
A skunk.
What animal is known for being very large being black and white and having a long neck?
A giraffe.
What animal is known for being very small being brown and liking to eat bugs?
A brown bat.
What animal is known for being very large being green and liking to eat leaves?
A gorilla.
What animal is known for being very small being red and having a long tail?
A fox.
What animal is known for being very large being white and liking to eat fish?
A polar bear.
What animal is known for being very small being grey and having a long tail?
A squirrel.
What animal is known for being very large being brown and liking to eat nuts?
A bear.
What animal is known for being very small being white and having black stripes?
A zebra.
What animal is known for being very large being blue and liking to eat flies?
A whale.
