Woodrats

Woodrats, also known as packrats, are a group of New World rodents belonging to the genus Neotoma. They are found throughout North and South America, inhabiting a wide variety of environments from deserts and mountains to forests and grasslands. Woodrats are characterized by their bushy tails, large ears, and the habit of collecting and storing objects.

These rodents are typically medium-sized, with most species measuring between 8 and 12 inches in body length, excluding their tails. Their fur color varies depending on the species and habitat, ranging from grayish-brown to reddish-brown. Woodrats are primarily nocturnal, spending their days in their nests and emerging at night to forage for food.

The most distinctive trait of woodrats is their tendency to gather and hoard items, hence the nickname "packrat." Their nests, often called "middens," are constructed from plant materials, twigs, and other debris, and are cemented together with their own urine, which hardens over time. These middens can become quite large and serve as both shelter and a pantry. The collected items can include anything from rocks and bones to shiny objects like bottle caps and bits of metal, which are often found arranged around the entrance of the midden.

Woodrats are herbivores, with their diet consisting mainly of plants, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. Their hoarding behavior is thought to be a survival strategy, providing a readily available food source during lean times and offering protection from predators within their well-constructed nests. There are numerous species of woodrats, each adapted to its specific ecological niche.