As a field expert in rodent behavior and ecology, I can provide you with an informed response to your question.

Rats are generally not aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened or cornered. They are more likely to flee than to attack when they encounter a human. However, there are certain conditions under which a rat might become aggressive:


1. Disease: A rat that is ill or infected with a disease may act more aggressively due to pain or discomfort.

2. Territory: Rats are territorial creatures and may attack to defend their nest or food sources.

3. Motherhood: A female rat (doe) that is nursing her young can be fiercely protective and may attack if she feels her pups are threatened.

4. Starvation: In extreme cases, a rat that is extremely hungry might act more aggressively in search of food.

It's important to note that while rat bites can occur, they are relatively rare, and the risk can be minimized by not approaching or provoking rats and maintaining good sanitation practices to avoid attracting them.

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FACT: Some rats, if provoked and cornered, will fight their way out of the confrontation, as will many wild animals. But most rats do not outwardly attack humans. Young babies, bed-confined elders, and the homeless sleeping in doorways and alleys, however, are occasionally bitten by unprovoked rats.read more >>