Rats -- Facts You Never Knew

The rats are small energetic creatures. They are quite unique in their behavior. The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals and rats occupy the very first position in this. The Chinese zodiac completes one cycle every 12 years. For example, 1924 was a rat year and so was 1936. The last rat year was 1996 and the next will be twelve years later that is in 2008. People born in rat years are said to possess what are known as "rat qualities". They are supposed to be honest, kind, ambitious, imaginative and bright.

There are some very exciting facts about rats which you might not know. Check out these facts below and you'll definitely be amused as you read it.

People in prehistoric Rome named rats as big mice. The actual mice were called as little mice. Mus Maximus was the actual rendition of big mouse and Mus Minimus of little mouse.

Rats have a strong connection with a town called Deshnoke. It is located close to the Indo-Pak border. Karni Mata temple or temple of rats as it is better known is located here. Goddess Karni is thought to be a reincarnation of Goddess Durga. The rats in this temple are worshipped for it is believed that the spirit of Goddess Karni's followers resides in them. The priests who look after this ancient temple provide the rats with food

You always though that camels can survive without water for the longest time period. Think again! Rats can live without water for even for a longer duration. Of course they can't take you out for a desert safari!!

You will end up being injured if you jump from a height of 15 meters. But a rat will have a very safe landing. It won't suffer any injuries.

The term rat is not taken in the right sense in the western word. It is more often used for people who are suspicious, unappealing or having a criminal background. This is because rats were knows to cause a dreaded disease known as Black Death or medieval plague. They have been considered as dirty, ferocious creatures which spread disease for a long time. However this view in under serious consideration nowadays.

The weight of adult male rats can go up to 1.5 pounds or seven hundred grams. Their average life span is 2 to 3 years.