Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This first one wasn't the most attractive, but was caught in the act raiding a robin's nest. As you can see, it was quite the large meal.

I had to move this one since it freaked out my mom while she was planting flowers. I released it in an old shed nearby.

Those are cool pics - especially the nest raider.
What locality are those Black Rats?

Central Ohio version, found last year:

Third Eye

>>Those are cool pics - especially the nest raider.
>>What locality are those Black Rats?
>>
>>Central Ohio version, found last year:
>>
>>Third Eye

They're from western West Virginia. The black rats around here range from highly patterned yellow/brown individuals like the one leaving the nest to nearly solid black (though not quite as unicolored as those from the mountains). I've also seen a few with quite a bit of orange and red coloration between the scales here.

Very cool series. Glad you posted. B-Rats Rock!!!
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Man, Those must have been some big robins!Lol!Black rats are one of my favorite natives! Thanks for sharing the cool pics! Jeff

Great pics Kevin. I love the climbing ability of black rats. No bird is safe, LOL

That's a nice snake. Where's he from?

The black rat in that photo is from Charles City county Va. Below is another one found not too far from the one in the above photo. Steve

A friend and I just found some in eastern KS that looked alot like those. Do you ever see them where you are with red between the scales?

I have not seen any of our black rats with red between the scales. Doesn't mean there is none, but I have not seen any. The pics that I posted are good representives of Virginia black rats. Most tend to be near solid black, with a touch of white pattern showing through. Steve