Eight Facts About Norway Rats

1. The scientific name for a Norway rat is Rattus norvegicus. They are commonly referred to as "rats", "brown rats", "sewer rats", and "wharf rats."  

2. Norway rats are not really from Norway. The Norway rat, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, is actually a native of Asia that arrived in England via Norwegian ships.  

3. Norway rats do not have collapsible skeletons.  The myth that Norway rats have collapsible skeletons is most likely based on their ability to squeeze through small holes. However, Norway rats have skeletons made out of bones and cartilage, just like other mammals. While young rats are often able to squeeze through half-inch holes, large and fat Norway rats cannot squeeze through such small holes.

4. Norway rats can be over a foot long. According to the Baltimore County municipal website, which is an excellent resource for Baltimore exterminators and remodeling contractors, Norway rats can grow 12 to 18 inches long, with five-to-eight-inch-long tails. Have you ever come face to face with an 18 inch rat? It sounds horrifying.