Woodrat Facts & Information

What do woodrats look like?

Woodrats, also known as packrats, are medium-sized rodents measuring 7 to 8 inches in body length, with tails that can add another 6 to 8 inches. They have large ears, prominent eyes, and soft, grayish-brown fur with a lighter underside. Their tails are furry, unlike the hairless tails of common rats.

What do woodrats eat?

Woodrats are herbivores, feeding primarily on plant materials such as leaves, seeds, fruits, nuts, and bark. They have a special fondness for prickly pear cacti and will also gather and store food in their nests for later consumption.

What sort of habitat do woodrats live in?

Woodrats prefer rocky outcrops, forests, and desert environments, depending on the species. They are known for building large nests, called “middens,” out of twigs, leaves, and other debris, which they gather and stack in sheltered areas like caves, crevices, or under trees.

How do woodrats commonly behave?

Woodrats are nocturnal and solitary creatures, spending most of their time gathering materials to build and fortify their nests. They are known for their “packrat” behavior, where they collect shiny or interesting objects and incorporate them into their nests. Woodrats are territorial and mark their homes with urine to ward off intruders.

Did you know this about woodrats?

Woodrat nests, or middens, can last for centuries, with some discovered to be thousands of years old! These ancient nests, preserved in arid environments, have provided valuable insights into the environmental history of the regions they are found in. Additionally, woodrats have an interesting habit of swapping objects—if they find something more interesting than what they are carrying, they will often leave their original item behind in exchange.