In addition to fish, ducks, swans and pigeons, rats can also be found at the municipal pond in Bolesławiec. The rodents readily take advantage of people feeding the waterfowl. As a result, they have plenty of food and are not fussy eaters. They have adapted perfectly to living near people, mainly thanks to their omnivorous diet and considerable resistance to harsh conditions.
In Poland, the most common are brown rats, commonly called Norway rats, and, less frequently, black rats. These animals have adapted well to living near humans and occur both in cities and rural areas. Those we can see at the municipal pond and in its vicinity are probably brown rats. Their appearance, coloring and behavior indicate this.
The brown rat is larger and more robust than the black rat. It has a shorter tail, smaller ears and brownish-gray fur. It is most often found in basements, sewers, bodies of water, landfills and farm buildings. It swims well, digs burrows and is considered more aggressive and resilient.
The black rat is slimmer, with a long tail, large ears and a pointed snout. It prefers living at higher elevations—in attics, lofts and on building roofs. It is more cautious and less numerous, and in many places it has been displaced by the stronger brown rat.
Regardless of the species, rats eat almost everything—from grains, vegetables and fruit to meat, insects and food scraps. This makes it easy for them to find food in trash containers, basements and farm buildings. At the same time, they avoid strong smells, noise and bright light, preferring dark, quiet places with access to shelter.
However, their presence poses serious risks. Rats transmit dangerous diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis, contaminate food and cause material damage by gnawing through installations and electrical wires. They also pose a threat to farm animals and reproduce quickly, which can lead to a sudden increase in their population.
W the fight against rats, prevention is most important: keeping things tidy, properly securing food and responding quickly to the first signs of their presence. Neglect in this regard can pose a genuine threat to people’s health and safety.
Completely eliminating rats is nevertheless practically impossible. These resourceful rodents are characterized by high fertility and a strong ability to adapt, allowing them to survive in cities and villages, even under difficult conditions.
The key to safety is not completely eradicating them, but controlling the size of the rodent population.