The brown Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the slimmer black roof rat (Rattus rattus) are two of the most widespread rodent species on Earth, often establishing themselves alongside human populations. Their rapid reproductive cycle and omnivorous diet contribute to enormous populations, making them a consistently available and calorie-rich food source for a vast array of predators. This abundance places rats firmly within the middle of the food chain, where they serve as a primary prey item for numerous mammals, birds, and reptiles worldwide. The constant pressure from these hunters helps regulate rat numbers across both urban and wild environments.
Birds of Prey and Other Avian Hunters
Raptors are highly effective hunters of rats, with different species specializing in either nocturnal or diurnal activity patterns. Owls, such as the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) and the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), hunt at night when rats are most active. Their feathers possess unique velvety edges that allow for virtually silent flight, enabling them to ambush foraging rodents without warning.
Barn Owls, recognized by their heart-shaped facial disk, possess exceptional hearing that lets them pinpoint the exact location of a rat moving beneath dense vegetation or snow. They often nest in structures like barns or silos, placing them near the large rodent populations that congregate around stored grain. Diurnal raptors like Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicaensis) and American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) opportunistically prey on rats, particularly in open areas. These daytime hunters use acute vision to spot movement from high perches, quickly swooping down to capture rats that venture out of their burrows.
Ground-Dwelling Mammalian Predators
Mammalian predators represent the most diverse group of rat hunters. Wild canids, including the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Coyote (Canis latrans), regularly incorporate rats into their diet as part of their generalist hunting strategy. They use their keen sense of smell to locate burrows, digging or waiting patiently to ambush emerging rodents.
Mustelids, such as weasels and ferrets, are built for targeted rat hunting, possessing long, slender bodies that allow them to pursue prey directly into tunnels and tight spaces. A weasel’s efficient hunting technique involves a swift, targeted bite to the back of the neck, and they are capable of taking down rats larger than themselves. Certain domestic dog breeds, particularly terriers like the Jack Russell and Rat Terrier, were specifically bred for “ratting,” using a high prey drive to quickly dispatch rodents. Domestic cats (Felis catus) are also associated with rat control; feral cats in urban areas actively prey on rats, and their mere presence can cause rats to spend more time hiding.
Reptiles and Less Common Hunters
Snakes are the most focused reptilian predators of rats, relying on their ability to track prey using chemical cues and, in some species, infrared-sensing pits. The non-venomous constrictors known as “rat snakes” (Pantherophis species) are named for their preference for rodents, which they kill by wrapping their bodies around the prey and restricting blood flow. These snakes are adept climbers, allowing them to pursue both ground-dwelling Norway rats and arboreal roof rats into attics and rafters.
Larger constrictor species, such as pythons and boas in tropical regions, consume adult rats as a substantial component of their diet. Other opportunistic hunters will consume rats depending on their size and environment. This includes large monitor lizards in tropical areas, which actively pursue rodents, or sizable predatory fish if a rat enters the water.