Devil's rat (SciiFii)

The Devil's rat (Sarcomys venator), also known as the macropredatory mouse, the predatory grasshopper mouse, and the bird-eating mouse, is a species of predatory rodent, most closely related to the grasshopper mouse (Onychomys), despite its name, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across the western United States and Mexico to help boost biodiversity. The Devil's rat is a very large member of its family, with a head and body length of up to 28 centimeters (11 inches) long, and a tail slightly shorter than that. It is a carnivorous rodent, dining on insects (such as grasshoppers), worms, spiders, centipedes, scorpions, snakes, other small mammals, and birds (with the largest birds it hunts being rock doves). It also stalks its prey in the manner of a cat, sneaking up quietly, and defends its territory by "howling" like a small wolf. The Devil's rat is known to be immune to various venoms released by its prey (scorpions, snakes, etc.). Devil's rats are nocturnal and avoid exposure to bright light. The Devil's rat has about two or three litters a year consisting of three to seven young, with the average being five. They have a gestation of 31–43 days, and the young are born in either late fall or early winter, between September and February. The male gathers and provides food for the female while she is pregnant and taking care of her young. The Devil's rat is an altricial species; baby mice are naked with closed eyes when they are born, and weigh about five grams. Both sexes reach their sexual maturity at three months, but the lifespan of a typical Devil's rat living in the wild is about 3 years. The conservation status of the Devil's rat is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the Devil's rat's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii