Identify a Rodent

I saw a rodent in the City. How do I know if its a rat? 

Rats

rat2

  • About 6-8 inches long at maturity

  • Blunt head

  • Ears proportional to the size of their heads

  • Droppings around ½ inch long

  • Thicker (sometimes hairless) tails


Mice

mice1

  • Generally about 2-4 inches in length from nose to end of tail at maturity

  • Triangular head, pointed muzzles

  • Disproportionally large ears

  • Droppings range in length from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long (resembles rice)

  • Thin tails

Opossum

possum

  • About 2.5 feet long (nose to end of tail) at maturity

  • 9-13 lbs (size of a house cat)

  • Pointed muzzle, pink noses, and sharp teeth

  • Hairless tails