How Hard Can Rats Bite?

Rats are capable of biting humans, but their bites are rarely dangerous. Despite this, you should be cautious when handling rats. Some rats can bite you if they are ill or scared. They are less likely to bite if they are not in distress. If you do have an animal bite, consult a vet for treatment.

Researchers have used force transducers to determine how hard rats and squirrels can bite. These animals can exert up to a pound of pressure when they bite. The study’s authors measured the gnawing rate of rodents under a microscope and extrapolated a range for biting force. They discovered that rats, squirrels, and gray squirrels can bite with an average pressure of about one pound.

Rat bites are more dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. People with diabetes, cancer, HIV, and liver disease are at higher risk of developing an infection. Pregnant women and older people are also at increased risk of infection. Young children are also vulnerable because their immune systems are not fully developed.

When encountering a rat that bites, try to talk to it gently to establish trust. Make sure not to startle the animal by grabbing it by the tail or by its eyes. The rat may be startled by this and think that the only way to get away is by biting.