Many members of the rodent family are capable climbers. Are rats anatomically designed to climb? Are rats competent in climbing? Which surfaces can rats climb?
Not to give rats too much credit, but one of the main reasons they are so prolific and present in an array of environments is due to their innate ability to adapt. Rats can be found living in roofs, palm trees, crawlspaces, subways, ships, sewer systems, the list goes on and on. One attribute that lends to their survival skills is their ability to maneuver effectively. Rats are anatomically built to adapt to their environments.
Rats are fitted with flexible, muscular tails. A rats tail enables them to grip, balance and counter their weight while maneuvering in tricky areas. Their tail allows them to run wires, jump an average of 4’ from branches and climb up trees, poles and walls. A rats tail is not the only anatomical advantage they have when it comes to their agility.
Rats have 5 fingers or phalanges on each of their paws. Each paw is equipped with a pad. The rats paw pad holds ridges that allow for exceptional grip. At the end of each of their fingers are long, sharp claws. These claws allow rats to grip into materials and gain traction.
When put to the test rats are capable of climbing a variety of materials. Rats can climb drywall, plastics, stucco, wood, brick, concrete and metals. Rats in general are capable at climbing vertically.
Rats can climb, drain pipes, wires and cables. Some rats are better climbers than others. For example, roof rats are better climbers than Norway rats. At the end of the day rats can be pigeon holed as outstanding climbers.
Rats are build to thrive in a variety of environments. They are intelligent and fast to learn. Their anatomy allows them to be capable acrobats. Rats can not only leap 4’ from branch to branch but can scale vertical walls of different surfaces. For these reasons they find entrance points into homes and buildings down low and up high. For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors!