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Scientific Name: Rattus norvegicus
Habitat: Usually found in close association with humans.
Diet: Omnivorous—the Norway rat is opportunistic, feeding on all types of organic material that it encounters.
Interesting Facts: This animal is a good swimmer and climber whose opportunistic behavior has led to its successful worldwide distribution. This Old World rodent did not originate in Norway but in China. It is a serious pest of granaries and other food storage sites and a vector of numerous diseases communicable to humans. Most sources state strongly that efforts should be taken to control Norway rat populations whenever possible.
Further Reading: Click here for references