misunderstood and underappreciated
Rats are often misjudged. They're seen as dirty, and scary. But they're actually really clean, social and affectionate animals.
Rats often live in large groups, called mischiefs, and will become very lonely when kept alone. They are smart, can learn tricks and their names and have cute tiny hands :D
SEWER RATS
African pouch rats help with finding landmines and detecting tuberculosis!
The international organisation Apopo uses 'herorats' and 'herodogs' to find landmines and sniff tuberculosis all over the world. The 'herorats' are African pouchrats, a big rat breed originating from sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the rat's low weight they can walk over landmines without setting them off. They have been trained to smell the explosives and give a sign.
Rats as pets
Rats can be wonderful pets. Over the years rats have become more and more popular as pets. It started when scientists started using rats in labs, because they saw how similar humans and rats are. Over the years the rats became more accustomed to humans and started forming bonds with the scientists.