Rat: How the World's Most Notorious Rodent Clawed Its Way to the Top

Alan Belk, Ph.D., is a sessional instructor in the Philosophy Department
at the University of Guelph.

Rats are simultaneously disgusting and fascinating, and that is why you
will want to read this book. The book’s main draw is its exploration
of how rats have been able to take advantage of environments created or
invaded by humans. But there are plenty of factoids here, many from pet
owners and breeders.

If you were inclined to go rat spotting, all you would need to do is
spend the early morning hours in a laneway behind a restaurant that
isn’t too scrupulous about waste disposal. Rats love grease
(particularly bacon fat), so easily accessible fried food leavings
become rat magnets. And further, most things are readily accessible to
your average rat because it can speedily climb vertical surfaces with
ease and get through an opening the size of a quarter with no trouble.
And yes, rats do want to invade your roof, basement, garage, and
kitchen, so keep them clean.

Put a pregnant female rat, or a breeding pair, on an uninhabited island
such as Mauritius and say goodbye to much of the indigenous fauna
because rats breed extremely quickly, avoid most predators, and are
omnivorous (with a particular fondness for eggs).

Langton’s intriguing (if at times queasy-making) book is based on
some well-received columns he wrote for the Toronto Star.