Why Do Rats Change Color in the Winter?
WouterRats change color for various reasons. Some are completely white, while others are brown. They can also show patches of white, from a small chest spot to a blotch on the belly. These different colours are caused by mutations along the pigmentation pathway. If you’re worried that your rat has changed color, consider taking your pet to the vet.
These changes result from changes in the melanosome’s pigmentation. They occur as a result of changes to the melanosomes’ pH balance, causing them to produce more pigment than they need. When the pH level in the melanosome is neutral, it produces less pigment, called eumelanin. Phaeomelanin, on the other hand, is unaffected by pH.
There is no direct evidence for a direct link between temperature and color, although some species do molt. One species of rat, called the Dzhungarian hamster, is known to molt during the winter months. This phenomenon is believed to be related to photoperiod, the length of time the body is exposed to light during the day. The shorter days stimulate the replacement of brown hair with white. However, global warming may pose a major threat to the survival of these animals.
Rats breed more in the fall and spring seasons, but they’re active year-round. During the winter, they’ll dig against walls and other structures, where they can store their food. They can also dig under objects to hide their movements and avoid detection.
