Went to clean the pool this morning and found this little one sitting on the pool hose. While I was taking photos, two other smaller ones came out to snack on grass seeds nearby and appeared to be hanging around. They came quite close to me before moving away when I got within a metre. Was able to retrieve the one from the pool (which was quite a good swimmer!) after a few attempts and it ran off into the garden. Not sure what kind of mouse/rat they are and whether to be excited or worried about a plague!
The Ship/Roof/Black Rat, (Rattus rattus) introduced from Europe is likely to be present in most Canberra suburban blocks.
Rats seen out in daylight are usually dying from anticoagulant toxins. They should be humanely killed so the carcass can be put where other animals cannot eat it. Attempts to poison rats or mice using most of the baits sold in every supermarket are killing owls and other birds that feed on the dead or dying rodents. 2nd generation anticoagulants such as Brodifacoum have proved deadly for birds. 1st generation anticoagulants such as Warfarin are less dangerous but have not been given a full 'all clear'.
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