Ratty (Water Rat)

Ratty, also known as the Water Rat, is a semi-aquatic rodent belonging to the genus Arvicola. It is characterized by its robust body, short limbs, and dense fur adapted for swimming. Typically found in wetlands, riverbanks, and lakeshores, Ratty is an excellent swimmer, using its webbed hind feet to navigate aquatic environments. It constructs burrows both in the water’s edge and inland, feeding on aquatic plants, roots, and small invertebrates. Despite its name, it is a wild animal and plays an important role in its ecosystem, helping control insect populations and contribute to the habitat’s health.