Black rat

The black rat (Rattus rattus) is a medium-sized murid rodent hailing from planet Earth. Its core body section is covered with a scraggly coat of fur, which is black to light brown in color with a lighter underside. The creature possesses enlarged ears and a thin, nearly hairless tail. When scared or excited, it emits a sharp shrieking sound.

Occurrence

When Humans left their planet to travel among the stars, they brought many companion animals with them. Some (such as dogs, cats and cattle) they brought along deliberately. Others (such as the black rat) they did not; those creatures came along using their age-old methods of stowing away in cargo containers and hitchhiking aboard starfaring craft. Rats pretty much hold the same status they have for centuries -- they are considered pests and are known carriers of disease among some cultures, a supply of food in others and sacred beings to be revered in yet others.