Prompt: Science
I've been working on this since I found out about the contest.
Concept: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m518/Noopleberry/rat.jpg
Background Info: This creature is actually a severely mutated rat. Following the aftermath of a global nuclear war several species of animals underwent drastic mutations in a previously unheard of span of time. With the exception of domesticated predatory animals such as cats and dogs, predators as well as larger prey animals were wiped from the planet by the effects of the war. This left a niche unoccupied in ecosystem that was quickly filled by animals that were able to seek refuge during the war. Monstrous versions of these animals began to be seen worldwide. The rat is simply just one of them.
Deion: This animal has grown to enormous proportions for a rat. Size varies but on average it tends to be the size of a Labrador Retriever. It no longer drags its stomach on the ground. This gives it the advantage of speed and makes it an admirable hunter. The teeth of the rat have become accustomed to that of a predator. They no longer continuously grow or need to be filed down. Its nose has become its most prominent feature, as it hunts mainly by smell. The rat uses its eyesight almost as much as its nose and is able to detect color and see in extremely low light. Strangely enough, all that is left of the ears are small outer ear holes. It also has retained its dexterous hands and is able to pick up and handle objects quite well.
Behavior: The rat is neither a pack animal nor a solitary one. They are opportunistic and make the best of their situation in the wastelands. Rats are very vocal and make a variety of noises from high pitched chirps to low grunts. They have been known to respond to each others calls and give temporary assitance to other rats in the area. In addition to this they leave scent trails in their territories using scent glands at the base of their tails. More than one rat can occupy a territory. In fact it is possible to find several hundred in a large territory. They tend to seek areas with plenty of water and food. This means that they are often found near human populations which becomes a highly dangerous situation. Humans make easy prey for these animals and they will not pass up the opportunity for an easy meal. They tend to settle in the ruins of abandoned cities making it extremely difficult and dangerous for human beings to repopulate the fallen cities.
Weakness: Rats are fast and smart but they are not terribly strong. It is not wise to intentionally pick fights with them but if one were to ever find themselves in this situation they should try to strike the rats head or legs with a blunt ob
ject. A good blow to the head or legs should cripple or kill the animal. Also, dogs have proven to be formidable opponent to rats. Many dogs can easily overpower and intimidate these creatures. Where there are people, there are often several dogs.
Normal User
