Region’s rodents are on the rise

Feb 10 2009 by James Marley, The Journal

81 million in UK

THE brown rat is one of the most common types of the rodent.

Rats are most active at night and will live wherever humans live, particularly in towns.

They can be up to 25cm long and can breed throughout the year if conditions are suitable, with a female producing up to five litters a year.

The gestation period for babies is only 21 days and litters can number up to 14.

The maximum life span for a brown rat is up to three years, but one is more common.

There are thought to be around 81million brown rats in the UK.