Los Angeles, Feb 4 (IANS): David Attenborough, one of the world's most famous naturalists, says he isn't a fan of rats, especially after being startled by one on a trip to India.

The 88-year-old has revealed that the rodents are one of the few creatures he hates because of an unpleasant experience he had with one while coping with an upset stomach during a recent trip, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Speaking at the launch of "David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities" Wednesday, he said: "I was in India recently and I am by and large not affected by tropical diseases but I did get a bit of the belly, you know, and I had to run to the loo. I was sitting on the loo and I did what I had to do and then I looked up and a rat came out from between my thighs. That is not endearing."

Despite the nauseating incident, the acclaimed documentary maker still finds animals just as fascinating as when he first began his career.

"I think understanding animals enriches your pleasure, finding out how to understand them is the great pleasure. I never stop reading books about man and animals; they're always full of interesting stuff. I'll turn the page and my eyes will be popping out,” he said.