10 Random Examples of Animals That Kill Rats

Rats are some of the most common pests that can be found in homes and businesses. These small animals are an important part of the ecosystem, but they can also be a nuisance to people who are trying to live and work in peace. While there are numerous methods that can be used to control or get rid of rats, one of the most effective strategies is using animals that kill rats.

10 Animals That Kill Rats

Fortunately for human beings and for the ecosystem of the Earth as a whole, there are animals that prey on rats, helping to keep their population under control. Some of these animals include snakes, hawks, and cats.

These animals have evolved to be effective hunters of rats, due to their keen senses and natural predatory instincts. This list will talk about 10 of these animals in depth.

1. Snakes

Snakes are animals that are well-known for their ability to kill rats. Known to be fast and agile predators, snakes have long, slender bodies that allow them to easily maneuver through tight spaces in search of prey.

They also have specialized sensory organs that help them locate and track down rats, such as their “heat vision”- the ability to sense where other animals are based on temperature- and their ability to sense vibrations. These uncommon senses make them extremely effective hunters.

2. Cats

Cats, feral and domesticated, kill rats for food. This includes bobcats, lions, tigers, and the typical housecat.

These animals have sharp claws and strong jaws that allow them to quickly dispatch their prey. Additionally, cats tend to be more aggressive than other animals when it comes to hunting rats, often stalking and pouncing on them with great speed and force.

3. Birds

Birds are another animal that is adept at killing rats. These animals may not be as fast or agile as snakes or cats, but they have keen vision and strong beaks that allow them to effectively hunt down and dispatch their prey.

Additionally, many birds are known to team up when hunting rats, forming flocks that can quickly overwhelm and dispatch large numbers of rats. The most common birds for killing rats are larger birds such as hawks or owls. Barn owls get a special mention among birds as they are known for their ability to eat excessive amounts of rats in one night.

4. Raccoons

Raccoons have sharp teeth and strong jaws that allow them to quickly take down their prey. Additionally, raccoons tend to be particularly crafty and aggressive hunters, using their speed to outrun rats and their small size to invade an entire rat nest and run families of rats out. Whether hunting alone or in groups, raccoons can be very effective at killing rats and other pests.

5. Weasels

Weasels have long, slender bodies and sharp teeth, and they move very quickly and quietly, which gives them an advantage when hunting for rats in their burrows or other hiding spots. Additionally, weasels are natural hunters and often stalk their prey for long periods of time before pouncing.

6. Coyotes

Coyotes, not unlike the smaller weasel, are fast and stealthy predators, using their speed and agility to hunt down their prey. Coyotes tend to go for more readily available prey such as small rodents, making rats an unsurprising choice of food for these larger predators.

7. Foxes

Foxes are animals that have long been known for their hunting prowess, and they are no exception when it comes to killing rats. These animals have sharp teeth and jaws that allow them to bite down hard on their prey, as well as keen senses such as sight and smell that help them track down rats in the wild. Additionally, foxes often hunt in groups, making them a formidable force when it comes to hunting down rats and other pests.

8. Lizards

Lizards are animals that are less well-known for their ability to kill rats, but they nonetheless serve as effective predators of these animals. These animals have long, slender bodies and sharp teeth that allow them to quickly dispose of rats once they’ve located them.

Additionally, lizards tend to be quite stealthy and patient hunters, using their skills to wait for the perfect opportunity to strike and attack their prey.

9. Tasmanian Devils

Tasmanian devils have incredibly sharp teeth and strong jaws that allow them to quickly dispatch prey, as well as a highly developed sense of smell that helps them track down rats in the wild.

Additionally, Tasmanian devils tend to be quite aggressive and tenacious hunters, making them a formidable foe for rats, whose nests are likely to be overturned by a Tasmanian Devil.

10. Humans

Humans kill rats not only because they are pests, but for food. While this is not an option for most people, there are some cultures that still rely on rats for sustenance or disregard the public health risks that rats can pose. However, most humans, in one way or another, kill rats if they are confronted with them because rats are widely considered pests.