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| Distribution |
In NC, widely scattered across the state, and seemingly rather poorly known (at least now), as it resembles the much more common Brown [i.e., Norway] Rat.
Introduced from Europe by the early 17th Century, now found in coastal states from the West Coast to the East Coast, but mainly absent in the center of the country. |
| Abundance |
Apparently formerly more numerous in the state, but reportedly mostly displaced by the also introduced Brown Rat. Rare and local across most parts of the state. Lee et al. (1982) stated that "the only extant populations we are aware of are in and around Wilmington". However, there are a few more recent records scattered across the state, and thus it is not limited just to coastal areas. As few people bother to photograph non-native rats (Brown or Roof) and submit reports to the iNaturalist website, and as few people bother to take dead rats to a museum for its collection, we likely will not have a clear picture of this species' range and abundance level in NC any time soon, though it is certainly much less numerous than is the Brown (= Norway) Rat in the state. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Active year-round. |
| Habitat |
Occurs in both urban areas and in thickets near man. Somewhat arboreal, being found mostly off the ground, in attics, rafters, etc., in buildings, or in trees, vines, etc., away from structures. |
| Behavior |
The species is essentially nocturnal, and favors above-ground sites, leaving the ground to the allied Brown Rat, which is larger and apparently more aggressive. |
| Comments |
Webster et al. (1985) indicate that the species is now found mainly at shipping port cites, where the rats undoubtedly come to the states on ships. The Brown Rat has presumably out-competed the Roof Rat at most places where both are present. |
| Origin |
Introduced |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
SE |
| State Status |
|
| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
|
| subspecies |
Rattus rattus rattus |
| other_comName |
Black Rat |
| synonym |
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