Will Rats Run At You?

Rats may be dangerous, but they rarely attack humans. This behavior is based on their habitat and general fear of human contact. However, a rat may strike out at you when you are attempting to catch one or trying to remove one from its nest. You must know the specifics of the situation in order to avoid an attack.

First, know that rats are excellent climbers. They can scale trees and roofs. Their keen sense of smell and memories allow them to recall a route for long periods of time. They also have poor eyesight and rely on their whiskers and tails to balance, regulate body temperature, and communicate with each other.

Rats can bite you if they feel threatened or scared, so if you get bitten, go to the nearest clinic or health care professional immediately. The bites can be painful and may become infected. The most common health concern related to rat bites is rat-bite fever. This is caused by the bacteria Spirillum minus and Streptobacillus moniliformis.

Rats are more aggressive than mice around humans. While mice will flee if they see you, rats will often become threatened and attack if cornered. They are also bigger than mice and have larger incisor teeth. They can chew on most types of materials.