Woodrats

Woodrat Facts

Scientific Name:

Neotoma SPP. meaning "rodent that cuts with its teeth"

Color:

Ranges – brown, gray, black

Weight:

10-16 ounces; same size as Norway Rat

Length:

7 inches

Tail Length:

7 inches; shorter than the body

Body:

Thick, rounded body; professionals describe as a "giant hamster"; very long, soft, fine fur

Ears:

Large ears

Eyes:

Bulging black eyes

Lifespan:

3 years

Droppings:

½ inch long; oval shaped; found in piles

 

Woodrats - Overview

Other Names: Packrat, Traderat

Diet

Daily Amount:

0.1-2 ounces

Daily Water:

1-2 ounce

Daily Food:

Seeds, vegetation, nuts, berries, twigs, insects, small mammals, birds; Woodrats nesting inside homes often continue to feed outside.

Habitat

Geography:

Throughout US, although absent from New England & Great Lakes states

Nest Location:

Stick "houses" under porches, inside sheds, attics, soffits, hard to reach wall & ceiling voids; similar to roof rats

Home Range:

¾ of an acre

Active Periods:

Nocturnal; but common to see juveniles during the daytime

Reproduction

Litter Size:

2-4 pups per litter

No. of Litters:

1-4 per year

Sexual Maturity:

2-3 months

Gestation Period:

38 days; slow population growth

Breeding Season:

Outdoors: Spring

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