Woodrat (Packrat)
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
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
