Brown Rats have coarse brown or brown-grey fur (occasionally black), with a paler underside. They have a long, scaly tail which is a little shorter than the head-body length which often dangles down if they are observed up high.  They have a prominent pointed snout and furless ears that protrude from the upper side of their head.  Head and body length: up to 28 cm. Weight: 200-400g.

Water Vole

A pointed snout, large protruding ears, beady eyes, brown or grey-brown fur, a long, scaly tail

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Almost anywhere but has adapted particularly well to live in association with humans, feeding off refuse and scraps.  Often found near barns and arable field edges in rural areas, around bird feeders and compost heaps in gardens or where food is readily discarded in urban areas.

All year round.

Burrows and swims well (quite upright out of water compared to a Water Vole).  Life span of up to 18 months in the wild. Brown Rats breed throughout the year and can produce five litters a year. Females give birth to an average of eight young after a gestation of 22-24 days. These are weaned after 3-4 weeks.

Common and found all over Britain except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands, often subject to pest control.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.