Do Rats Kill Other Rats?
WouterSome people ask, “Do rats kill other rats?” It is true that rats will kill one another to gain access to food. This type of behavior is sometimes called cannibalism. But in most cases, it occurs in response to extreme starvation, usually caused by the pet owner. Rats will also eat the dead bodies of their cage mates. This is a natural instinct that keeps disease in check and lowers the chance of attracting predators. Moreover, some rats may become aggressive during their teenage years, when hormones run high.
Rats also fight among themselves to establish a hierarchy. In such cases, it is important to intervene promptly and use your judgment when intervening. Pay attention to signs of aggression and make sure you do not suffocate the victims. If you do have to intervene, use a water spray and protect yourself with a towel.
If you come into contact with a dead rat, you may get rat-bite fever (RBF), which can lead to serious health problems. If you are exposed to contaminated food or water, you may also contract hantavirus (HV), a disease transmitted to humans by rat saliva. This can cause serious symptoms, such as a fever and shivering. In severe cases, you could even get abscesses in your internal organs. If left untreated, this infection can be fatal.
In addition to preying on mice, rats also eat smaller rodents. This type of behavior is known as muricide. As a result, mice have evolved to avoid the presence of rat urine.
