This rat is slender and agile, and the tail is longer than the head and body. Roof rats will enter buildings if given the opportunity, and often use utility lines and fences as runways.
Roof rats prefer to feed on fruits, nuts, ivy, and pet food commonly found in residential areas.
It is generally found in agricultural areas, creeks, sewers, and occasionally in developed neighborhoods. The Norway rat is larger and more aggressive than the roof rat. The eyes and ears are smaller than the roof rat and the tail is shorter than the combined head and body length. This species usually lives in underground burrows, and feeds on garbage, meat scraps, cereal grains and vegetables. Wood rats are pale buff, gray, or reddish brown, with white undersides and feet.