Will Rats Eat Humans?
WouterMany people think of rats as dirty vermin that will bite people, but this is not always the case. In fact, rats are intelligent animals that have been coexisting with humans for centuries. Nonetheless, there are instances where rats have attacked people in self-defense. This is particularly dangerous if the rat has young. Rats can also carry disease, so it’s important to treat them immediately.
The answer to the question “will rats eat humans” will depend on the species of the rat. Although most species of mice and rats are omnivorous, rats are more likely to eat meat. They will eat red meat, poultry, and even rotten fish. They can also scavenge for roadkill.
Rats do not discriminate by geography, and there are some estimates that show there are one rat per US resident. Although no official survey is conducted, one would expect that rats would be concentrated in major cities because they have easy access to food and places to hide. Moreover, they will be attracted to any food storage that is not properly secured. Likewise, they will be attracted to trash heaps or woodpiles, and they will likely feed on these areas.
Rats can cause serious health problems and can even cause death when ingested. They can inflict painful bites to humans if they feel threatened. If cornered, they’ll lunge and bite in order to protect themselves. Rats’ saliva also contains dangerous bacteria, such as Hantavirus and leptospirosis. A rat bite can lead to rat-bite fever, and humans can also contract tetanus and other diseases from rat bites.
