Difference Between Rat and Mouse

Rats and mice are regularly confused due to their similar appearances, but despite the fact that many people confuse these little animals; the truth is that it is a mistake to think that both are the same. Difference Between Rat and Mouse

Here we explain what the difference is between a rat and a mouse, two animals that even belong to different genders and that in spite of everything are so similar to us.

RAT Difference Between Rat and Mouse

Rats are medium or large-sized rodents, generally described as the size of a pigeon. One of the characteristics that most distinguish them from mice is precisely this: their size. But they are also known for their pointed snout, long slender tail, and dexterous front legs.

Like mice, these rodents are found all over the world, in different environments, and are mostly nocturnal.

They are feared and rejected by large numbers of people, because they often lead to deadly diseases. They played an important role in spreading the bubonic plague throughout Europe. They are also known to damage and eat crops, in addition to causing structural damage. In some parts of India , every fifty years, armies of rats descend on rural areas and devour everything in their path.

Fun note : it is believed that in New York there are 4 times more rats than people.

There are many species of rats, including the Philippine jungle rat, Himalayan field rat, rice field rat, exultant rat, palm rat, Malayan field rat… however, of all; the most common are the brown rat or Norwegian rat and the black rat.

MOUSE

Mice are small mammals, about the size of a sparrow. They generally have a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a long, bare or nearly hairless tail.

The best known species is the common house mouse, which is popular for invading homes in search of food and shelter. Mice are also very popular as pets.

They have been successful in surviving by adapting to different conditions. They are found throughout the world in a wide variety of climates and environments. They are generally nocturnal, shy, social and territorial.

Sometimes mice can also damage crops by eating them; Furthermore, they can cause structural damage and spread disease through their parasites and feces.

There are many species of mice, including the common house mouse, American white-footed mouse, Peromyscus Manipulates, Indian field mouse, servant mouse, Macedonian mouse, toad mouse, desert pygmy mouse.

Key differences between mouse and rat

• Rats belong to the genus Rattus, while mice belong to the genus Mus.
• There are 65 known species of rats, while about 30 different species of mice are known.
• The most common rats are the black rat and the brown rat (Rattus Norvegicus), while the best known type of mouse is the common house mouse (Mus Musculus).
• The average lifespan of rats is 2-3 years, while that of mice is 1.5-2.5 years.
• The size of the rats ranges from 8 to 10 inches, while the size of the mice ranges from 2 to 4 inches.
• The tail of mice is shorter than that of rats.
• Rats can weigh up to 11 ounces, while mice can weigh up to half an ounce.
• Rats have large and wide snouts, while mice are characterized by their narrow and tapered snouts.
• Rats have small ears compared to their heads, whereas mice have large ears.
• Rats have small eyes, while mice have large eyes.
• The average gestation period for rats is 21 days, while that of mice is usually 20.
• Rats are omnivorous, while mice are especially herbivorous.

How are they viewed culturally?

Rats: bad, vicious, dirty, harmful. The first of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. Ganesh’s vehicle in Indian mythology. Negative image in some works by HP Lovecraft.

Mice: cute, playful, adorable, affectionate, innocent. Mickey Mouse.

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