The black rat is probably the most famous animal in British history because it was blamed for the plague that killed 25 million people in Europe but this fact is disputed now.
Rats were was first found in Asia and spread across Europe as they got trapped in cargo and goods on boats and trucks. It soon established itself and acclimatised in its new location and bred into large colonies.
It likes a warm climate and therefore when the English weather gets cooler in rushes for shelter in buildings, houses and manmade structures.
It has soft large brown eyes, black fir and a long hairless tail. It is rare in Britain now due to the brown rat. It is easy to locate because it leaves dirty marks along walls and entrances of its territory. They are great climbers and can get into most places but they hate water and refuse to go in it.
You will seldom see the in the UK but the black rat still makes up a part of our history and myth.
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