Rodent

The  is a mutated rodent that appears in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Lost Alpha and several canon S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games.

"In fact these animals are not related to jerboas, although there is a distinct resemblance. Attempts at determining the exact species from which this Ratwolf evolved have so far been unsuccessful, although its ancestor must have been a gregarious rat. Reaching up to 40cm at the shoulder, the animal is far more dexterous, aggressive and ravenous than its cousin, the rats. Mutant ratwolves live mainly in basements of destroyed buildings, feeding on everything they can get their teeth in, from plants to careless stalkers. Occasionally a pack of ratwolves will attack and kill large animals and mutants, tearing them apart before they can escape."

- Encyclopedia description

Overview
In fact these animals are not related to jerboas, although there is a distinct resemblance. Attempts at determining the exact species from which this Rodent evolved have so far been unsuccessful, although its ancestor must have been a gregarious rat. Reaching up to 40cm at the shoulder, the animal is far more dexterous, aggressive and ravenous than its cousin, the rats. Rodents live mainly in basements of destroyed buildings, feeding on everything they can get their teeth in, from plants to careless stalkers. Occasionally, a pack of rodents will both attack and kill large animals or mutants, tearing them apart before they can escape.

Biology

 * The Rodent is a quadrupedal animal reaching up to 40cm at the shoulder. They have large claws which can scratch big marks into Stalkers. Having frail and bony bodies, any weapon will do in disposing of them. Almost all of it's hair has fallen out and only tightly wrapped skin is visible.
 * Rodents are more mobile, aggressive, and ravenous than the normal desert animal. They live mainly in basements and destroyed buildings while feeding on everything they can get their teeth in, from plants to careless stalkers. It's not known if other mutants attack or eat rodents, but both their bones and dead bodies can often be seen around the entrances to burrows that some mutants use.

Gameplay

 * Although weak, they will attack in packs where possible so the player needs to deal with them quickly in the early game due to the lack of good armour.
 * Pistol fire is effective, but well timed knife blows are quicker and more economical.
 * This mutant is more of a nuisance in that it will distract the player into engagement while more formidable adversaries close in (Snorks, Pseudodogs or a Controller etc.)