Rattus rattus

Black Rat at Russell, ACT

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Identification history

	Rattus rattus	13 Jan 2020	DonFletcher
	Rattus norvegicus	4 Jan 2020	RobParnell

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User's notes

The rodent had lost power in it's back feet when discovered. It was given shade and water but sadly transpired within the hour. It was given a brief funeral and buried outside the grounds of the Boundless Canberra All-abilities playground.

4 comments

DonFletcher wrote:

5 Jan 2020

Rattus rattus can be a variety of colours so fur colour is not a good guide. Ears look like they would have reached the eye if bent forward, indicating Rattus rattus but tail looks a bit short for R rattus whose tail would reach past its nose. Feel like exhuming it to check Rob? Then you could have a second, longer, funeral ceremony.

RobParnell wrote:

5 Jan 2020

thanks Don. I think I'll pass on your suggestion. I will post one more photo, but I don't think it will help

dhkmapr wrote:

13 Jan 2020

The tail tip appears to have been injured, and may have lost some of its original length. If so, R rattus would be more likely.

DonFletcher wrote:

13 Jan 2020

I suggest going with Rattus rattus

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