The Norway Rat, or Rattus Norvegicus, is a ubiquitous species located in every corner of the world with human settlement. Native to Asia and Japan, the Norway rat arrived in Europe in the 1500's and traveled to North America with early settlers. Contrary to popular belief, the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is not, and never was, responsible for the transmission of bubonic and pneumonic plagues. These were transmitted mainly by the Black rat (Rattus rattus). Similarly, Norway rats are more resistant to rabies than other rodents.

Interestingly, a group of rats is called a "Mischief"
For Norway Rat video:

This recent news item inspired today's reference to the Norway Rat:Cunning Rat Outsmarts Scientists

The image above is from the Karni Mata Hindu Temple in India, where rats are revered as the incarnations of the goddess Karni Mata's children. The 20,000 rats are housed in the temple and fed milk and sweet treats daily. If you encounter a white rat during a visit to the Karni Mata temple, you will be blessed with good luck!