World Rat Day – April 4, 2024

History of World Rat Day

Rats are one of the oldest mammals that we can still see around. They were here when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. They witnessed the extinction of the Jurassic era, and they were there to begin the era of mammals. They witnessed the birth of many new species, some of which prey on them, and they witnessed the birth of human civilization. They were there to see all our triumphs and all our great blunders. They punished us through plagues, and they will probably be here even after we are gone.

Rats belong to the long-tailed rodents of medium size from the species Rodentia and genus Rattus. Their long tail is a prominent feature, and rats can use the tail for thermal control. Rats are pests in most of the world, but they are not originally found in every part of the world. For most, they were introduced by ships in the medieval era. Black rats, in particular, are notoriously successful as invasive species. However, different cultures view rats in a different light. Rats are bad news in European cultures, whereas they are better represented in Asian cultures. Rats are present in the Chinese zodiac, and they are also mentioned as the vehicle of God Ganesh according to Hindu mythologies.

Rats are intelligent and cunning animals. The popularity of domestic rats is increasing day by day. Rats became friendly over the generations in captivity. They are curious animals with the potential to be great companions for their human friends. Pet rats pose no threat to us and do not carry diseases any more than a usual dog or cat. They are low maintenance due to their small size and their flexibility in eating habits.