Rat

Rats are small mammals that eat invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and juvenile birds. They compete with native birds for nests and reduce native seedling establishment.

Description

• Small black, grey or brown mammals with naked tails.
• Habitat includes forests, coastal areas, urban areas, near waterways, wetlands, shrublands, and crops.

What you need to know

Eats seeds, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and juvenile birds. Competes with native birds for nests and burrows. Reduces native seedling recruitment and modifies plant communities. Negatively impacts cereal production and the food services industry.

If you have pet rats, make sure they are securely contained to avoid accidental escapes. If you are no longer able to look after your pet rat, find someone who is prepared to give it a lifetime home or contact a relevant pet shop or animal rescue organisation to get it rehomed.

Never release a rat into the wild. Your pet may be unable to find the food and shelter it needs, and it also puts our native species at risk.

Management approach

Community Led

These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.

Control

For more information on controlling rats, visit the Predator Free NZ Trust website or contact your local pest control contractor.