Any list of rodent facts makes it abundantly clear that rats can go with the flow. In fact, they’re so adaptable that when nature shifts course and larger mammals become extinct, the little critters might just grow into giant sheep-sized rats to take up the space. If you think they’re icky now, just wait until their tails are two feet long.
It’s Happened Before
It’s inevitable that some of our larger animals will die out. When they do, scientists believe that rodents will evolve to fill the ecological niche. They’ll grow larger and develop whatever features enable them to survive, thrive and produce offspring.
It isn’t just a theory; it’s happened before. In the Cretaceous Period, dinosaurs occupied a large portion of space on the planet. During their reign, mammals were much smaller; many were the size of our modern mice and rats. Once the big guys were out of the picture, though, the small mammals developed into what we now know as horses, mastodons, mammoths and rhinoceri.
Researchers believe that in time rats could grow to be at least as big as the capybara, the world’s largest rodent. The odd-looking, tame capybara can weigh as much as 176 pounds.
Rat Island: No, It’s Not a B Movie
If you’re still skeptical, consider what has happened on isolated islands where rats were introduced by humans. Time and time again, they’ve quickly become the dominant species. They’re currently on most islands in the world, and they’ve proven almost impossible to eradicate from areas where they’ve established dominance.
Never underestimate the rat. It’s a clever and resilient creature, and its ability to survive should be respected. If you find rats in your home, take the problem seriously. They won’t grow to be as large as sheep in your lifetime, but they can cause chaos at any size.
ABC Home & Commercial’s Pest Control Services: We Can Handle the Little Ones
No matter what size they are, rats are a nuisance and a health hazard. At ABC Home & Commercial Services, rat control is one of our specialties. If you find signs of rodent infestation in your Dallas home, give us a call or visit our site to schedule service as soon as possible.