Story perspectives

Norway Rats Filmed Preying on Bats in Germany

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study in Global Ecology and Conservation reports Norway rats were filmed hunting and eating bats for the first time in northern Germany.
Biologist Florian Gloza-Rausch, the study's lead author, said the behavior had not been previously recorded.
Norway rats are invasive and occur on every continent except Antarctica, threatening bat populations and potentially increasing disease transmission.
Bats host numerous deadly diseases and comprise about 20% of all mammal species.

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Story summary

A study in Global Ecology and Conservation reports Norway rats were filmed hunting and eating bats for the first time in northern Germany.
Biologist Florian Gloza-Rausch, the study's lead author, said the behavior had not been previously recorded.
Norway rats are invasive and occur on every continent except Antarctica, threatening bat populations and potentially increasing disease transmission.
Bats host numerous deadly diseases and comprise about 20% of all mammal species.