Musée des Egouts / Sewer Museum of Brussels, Belgium.
Rattus norvegicus is the Latin name of a species that is known by many other names, including brown rat, city rat and sewer rat.
In the city, this rodent has made its home in the vast sewer system, enjoying the constant heat and humidity and feeding off the many food scraps that end up in our sewers.
The sewers offer this species shelter, accommodation and keep them safe from predators. Like other animals that live in close proximity to humans and are neither wild nor domestic (pigeons, mice, etc.), rats rely on human activities and the waste we produce as a source of sustenance. Like other urban animals, rats are often labelled harmful or undesirable. But how much do we really know about them? Isn't it time to cast aside some of the ideas and stereotypes that are so difficult to shake? Can we ever reach a place of peaceful coexistence with rats? With this drawing let's lift the veil on this little creature who lives mostly out of sight, behind the scenes of the city. Rats have remarkably adapted to the urban ecosystem.
However, it's necessary to change our perspective on this species to ensure a balanced and respectful coexistence with all urban wildlife.
