Identification

Common Name: Norway Rat (Brown Rat, Field Rat, Sewer Rat, and Common Rat)
Scientific Name: Rattus norvegicus

Despite their common name, Norway rats are exotic to Europe, as well as to the United States.  They are native to Japan, eastern and central Asia.  Most introductions probably originated from northern China.

This species is closely-related to the roof rat, Rattus rattus, another widely introduced rat species.