Invasive Species — Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Distribution

Range

Norway rats are believed to be native to the plains of Asia, northern China and Mongolia. Beginning in the Middle Ages, they spread to Europe and are now in most major human settlements.

Alaska

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Distribution of rats in Alaska.

Habitat Preference

In environments lacking humans or human foods, brown rats prefer damp environments such as river banks, coastlines and wetlands. However, most are found associated with human-made environments, such as warehouses, ships, and sewage or storm water systems.