Can You Get Rats Without Tails?
WouterA rat’s tail is a key part of its body. It helps them keep their balance, particularly on narrow surfaces. The tail increases the rat’s rotational inertia, which helps it adjust its center of gravity to balance on different surfaces. Its tail is an important part of its survival strategy.
Almost all rats have tails. However, there are cases when rats can be born without tails. These cases are rare and often caused by gene mutations. Some offspring born without tails die within days of birth while others survive until adulthood. Breeders, therefore, do not usually breed these rats.
While rats without tails are more prone to accidents and fall, most of them will be able to adapt to life without a tail. Rats also need their tails to regulate their body temperature. Without a tail, their bodies will become hotter than normal, and it will take longer for them to cool down.
Rats have a furry, brown to gray coat with scattered black hairs. They shed over 500,000 body hairs a year. Their long, flexible tail allows them to balance on narrow surfaces. Its acrobatic balancing abilities also explain why rat traps are often empty.
In addition to tails, rats can also be seen without tails. If you find a rat infestation, the first thing you need to do is identify the species. A rat infestation can be hard to distinguish from a squirrel problem. The feces will be brown or black with blunted ends.
