Rats
Identification of small mammals from photos is uncertain. It helps to have multiple photos, preferably with a scale in all images, showing: the ratio of tail-length to body-length; the nature of the ears, including how far the ear lobe will reach, in relation to the eye, when the ear lobe is folded forward; the pads under the hind feet; the fur above and below the body, any markings on the head or face; and the scales and fur on the tail.
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Discussion
DonFletcher
wrote:
4 Sep 2025
Hi @OtterTherapy , I see this was well up the hill away from the village, so hopefully there are no rodent baits being used near there. Therefore you might keep seeing these trusting native rodents that often act as if they have been tamed. If this was a Rattus rattus out in the open in daytime, that would mean it was sick, usually from baiting, but Broad Toothed Rats do move about in daylight to some degree. Most of all they need thick ground layer vegetation in which to construct their runways and to provide a space beneath the snowpack, so mowing and heaving grazing are bad for them.
Mastacomys fuscus mordicus
WendyEM
wrote:
3 Sep 2025
Drains are great habitat (assuming not too polluted). My brothers used to fish on banks of Barwon R., Geelong, Vic for carp and would hear happy munching noises behind them as the catch was utilised. They took me there and after dark the Rakali would appear out of stormwater pipes and swim by. In Melbourne on inner urban Merri Ck they were regularly seen swimming.
Hydromys chrysogaster
JoelStibbardBCT
wrote:
27 Jun 2025
All good mate, we are all learning here! Great efforts with all your sightings.
Rattus rattus
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