Having recently acquired an onboard rat, I was reading about them, and here are a few facts which I found interesting: 1. Since they can separate the joints in their head, they can fit through a hole as small as 1/2". 2. They can swim 1/2 mile. 3. Swimming in a pipe isn't a problem for them, even against a strong current. 4. They can leap vertically 36". 5. They can leap horizontally 48". 6. There are two different common models- Black rats, which are typically found in high places like attics, and Brown (Norwegian) rats, which are typically found at ground level, such as on our boat. They like different types of foods. 7. They are habitual and follow the same trails. 8. If a trap goes off and doesn't get the rat, even if it was an accidental discharge, the rat becomes more skittish of it. Best to place traps with food but not set for a day or two in order to allow the rat to become accustomed to eating off the trap without danger.This increases the odds of the rat eating off the trap and triggering it once it is set. *Rudy & Jill Sechez* *BRINEY BUG-a 34' Sail-Assisted Trawler * *850-832-7748* *trawlertrainingabc.com <http://trawlertrainingabc.com>*