Is that a gigantic rat scurrying around Clementi Avenue 3 block? Not quite
Stomper Boay was excited upon seeing what appeared to be a large rat at Block 426, Clementi Avenue 3 last night (Jan 5) at around 10.45pm.
However, from photos that the Stomper sent us, we have identified the animal to be a shrew and not a rat.
Boay said:
"When I returned home at around 10.45pm, I saw this 'rat' running around and took a few pictures. I was so excited about this that I took a video, then realised later that it was only one-second long."
What's the difference between a rat and a shrew? Check out a comparison below.
Rat
Shrew
Classified as rodents
Classified as insectivores
Rounder snout
Sharper and more distinctive snout
Larger eyes
Pointed teeth and tiny eyes that are almost invisible
Have long, sparsely furred tails
Tails are shorter with a bit more fur
Strong sense of smell and exceptional eyesight
Weak sense of smell and vision
Live in communities and band together
Prefer to live alone except during breeding season
