Black rats are introduced in Louisiana and strongly associated with buildings, boats, ports, and other human-altered settings. Records from Grand Isle and the coastal refuges should be read in that context, not as evidence that intact marsh is their preferred habitat; the long tail and climbing habit help distinguish them from Norway rats.
They are documented year-round, with small August and October peaks. Because wild rats can carry pathogens, observe without handling them or investigating enclosed nest sites.
Full species profile
