The Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes) is a small Australian nocturnal animal. It is an omnivore. It is one of the most common species of rats and is found in many heathland areas of Victoria and NSW. Adult Bush Rats are smaller than the Australian Swamp Rat, (Rattus lutreolus), and in addition, the Bush Rat's foot pads are a pink colour, whereas the Swamp Rat's foot pads are dark brown.
The Bush Rat is one of the new endemics, having naturalised in Australia in the second wave of rat migration.
Studies have been conducted by Holmsglen students in areas of Anglesea to calculate the impact fox baiting has on the population of the bush rat.