Rats and Mice. The Native Water Rat (Hydromys chrysogaster) grows to 40 cm in length, has partially-webbed hind feet, water repellent fur and a tail that is tipped white. The species is one of only two Australian mammals living in freshwater, the other being the Platypus. Their diet primarily consists of crustaceans, insects and fish. If you believe a property is harbouring rats … Before reporting a rodent sighting to Council, check the Controlling rats guide to see if the animal you have seen is a native mammal or a rat. All of these can be distinguished from the marsupials by the long pair of yellow, beaver-like incisors (teeth) found at the tip of the mouth on the upper and lower jaws. The Greater Brisbane Region is home to seven species of native rodents and three introduced species. Controlling rats (PDF - 1Mb) Controlling rats (Word - 100kb) Report a rat or mouse problem. Native Water Rats. Rat, mouse or native antechinus Last updated: 27 Mar 2019; The first time I came face-to-face with an antechinus was on a biology field trip where one had been caught in an Elliott trap. When I took it out, it bit my glove and I got to look at its sharp little teeth.