Quick answer
Rats are native to Asia. Probably originated in northern China and Mongolia; the brown rat is now found worldwide near people on every continent except Antarctica.
Native range
Probably originated in northern China and Mongolia; the brown rat is now found worldwide near people on every continent except Antarctica.
Continents and countries
Rats occur across Asia. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.
Habitat types
Cities, sewers, farms, riverbanks worldwide provides shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.
Range changes
Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where rats persist today.
Sources
FAQs
Where do rats live in the wild?
Probably originated in northern China and Mongolia; the brown rat is now found worldwide near people on every continent except Antarctica.
What habitat do rats prefer?
Cities, sewers, farms, riverbanks worldwide
Are rats found near humans?
Some populations overlap farmland or suburbs; always observe wild rats from a safe distance.
Which continents have rats?
Asia.