Hello, I'm an expert in the field of animal behavior, particularly with a focus on rodents such as rats.

Rats, like many animals, do have the potential to bite when they feel threatened, cornered, or are in pain. However, it's important to note that rats are generally social animals and can be quite friendly when raised in the right environment and handled with care. Proper socialization and handling from a young age can significantly reduce the likelihood of a rat biting.

In the wild, rats use their teeth for various purposes including self-defense, so biting is a natural behavior for them. But in a domestic setting, if a rat bites, it's often a sign that something is not right. It could be that the rat is scared, stressed, or not used to being handled. It's also possible that the rat is experiencing some sort of discomfort or pain that is causing it to react defensively.

To prevent bites, one should always approach and handle rats gently and calmly. If a rat is biting, it's crucial to stop what you're doing and give the rat space. Trying to force the interaction can lead to more fear and aggression.

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Rats are equipped with large teeth and administer painful bites when threatened. ... However, when cornered, they will lunge and bite to defend themselves. The saliva of some species of rats carries hazardous diseases, such as leptospirosis and Hantavirus. In rare cases, rat bite victims may contract rat-bite fever.read more >>