When I lived in Michigan I used to work with an outfit that overhauled electrical power plants. One time working the night shift I saw an animal walking across the lot. I thought it was a possum but it was dark colored. When I approached it I saw it was the largest rat I had ever seen. It was every bit the size of the one in the picture if not larger. Absolutely amazing. It just turned its head to look at me and then mosied on its way clearly unconcerned by my presence, and rightfully so. I had zero intention of finding out which one of us was badder.