Are these rats?

[NikkiB]

We appear to have rats at the bottom of our garden. At least - we think they're rats. They look exactly like pictures of rattus norvegicus and have bodies around 9 inches long but whenever they see humans they dart away. I thought rats were brave and feral!
Is it a myth that rats are fearless?

[Ethel]

Rats prefer not to be seen on the whole, but if cornered they will leap to escape. They will become aggressive.

Feral means a previously tame or domesticated animal that has escaped and has returned to its wild state.

Please be careful in your garden and immediate surrounds. Rats carry disease and a particularly nasty illness can be contracted from rats urine. Get on to the council for advice about getting rid of them.

http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40000444/

[RATTER15]

I have written a few thing on here about rats, they certainly sound like rats!! Ethels advice is spot on.

It is very unlikely you will ever corner a rat or experience it being aggressive!!!

don't worry about the rats, just don't interfere with them and get Pest Control or the council out to sort them.

The disease is weils disease, or in Dogs it is known as Leptospirosis